Amarillo Zoo Transitions to Nonprofit Management

City Council approves long-term lease agreement to modernize and sustain the zoo

Apr. 2, 2026 at 12:57pm

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The Amarillo City Council has approved a new 20-year lease agreement that will allow Amarillo Zoo & Sanctuary, Inc. (AZS) to take over operations of the Amarillo Zoo. The city will maintain ownership of the zoo, including the land, buildings, and animals, while AZS will handle daily operations, programming, and new development. The goal is to transform the Amarillo Zoo into a facility focused on conservation, education, and community engagement.

Why it matters

The new partnership model is designed to modernize the Amarillo Zoo and create long-term sustainability. By transitioning to nonprofit management, the zoo will be able to pursue grants, donations, and partnerships that were previously unavailable. This will allow for expanded exhibits, improved animal habitats, and new educational programs for visitors.

The details

Under the agreement, AZS will lease the zoo from the city for $1 per year through 2046, with three optional five-year renewal periods. The city may also provide up to $900,000 in grant funding over the next six years to help with the transition. The Amarillo Zoo must continue to operate as a community education facility, offering programs like school field trips, camps, and outreach events. The agreement also requires a qualified zoological veterinarian to be available for routine and emergency animal care.

  • The Amarillo City Council approved the new lease agreement in April 2026.
  • The 20-year lease term with AZS will run through December 2046.

The players

Amarillo Zoo & Sanctuary, Inc. (AZS)

A nonprofit organization that will take over the daily operations, programming, and new development of the Amarillo Zoo, while the city maintains ownership of the land, buildings, and animals.

Stephanie Brady

The founder of the Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, who presented a proposal to the City of Amarillo in November 2025 outlining how her organization would take over operations of the Amarillo Zoo.

City of Amarillo

The owner of the Amarillo Zoo, including the land, buildings, and animals, which will lease the facility to AZS for $1 per year through 2046.

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What they’re saying

“Our vision is to transform the Amarillo Zoo & Sanctuary into a place focused on providing lifelong sanctuary and the best possible care for the animals already here. We want to share their stories, explain why they are here, and create a welcoming, family oriented place where people can connect with wildlife while learning about conservation.”

— Stephanie Brady, Founder, Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation Center

What’s next

The Amarillo Zoo & Sanctuary must receive accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums or the Zoological Association of America in order to renew the lease agreement with the city after the initial 20-year term.

The takeaway

This new partnership between the City of Amarillo and Amarillo Zoo & Sanctuary, Inc. represents a significant step forward in transforming the Amarillo Zoo into a modern, sustainable, and community-focused facility that prioritizes animal welfare, conservation, and educational programming.