Amarillo Zoo Shuts Down for Exciting New Chapter

The zoo is temporarily closing to transition into a non-profit sanctuary with a greater focus on animal care and conservation.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 7:12pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a stylized giraffe icon repeated in a tight grid pattern, utilizing flat, vibrant neon colors and heavy black outlines to create a modern pop art representation of a zoo animal.The vibrant new visual identity of the Amarillo Zoo and Sanctuary aims to capture the excitement of its transformation into a mission-driven non-profit focused on wildlife rehabilitation and conservation.Amarillo Today

The Amarillo Zoo is temporarily closing on April 3 to allow for staff transitions, operational updates, and preparations to transform the facility into the new Amarillo Zoo and Sanctuary. The closure will last close to a month, with a reopening date of April 27, marking the start of a new chapter for the zoo focused on upgraded animal care and a greater selection of species.

Why it matters

This change represents a major shift for the Amarillo Zoo, moving it from a traditional municipal zoo model to a non-profit sanctuary focused on wildlife rehabilitation and conservation. The temporary closure will allow the new operators to get acclimated to the animals and prepare the facility for its expanded mission, which is expected to bring much-needed upgrades and a more diverse animal population.

The details

In October 2025, the Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation Center's Stephanie Brady proposed to the Amarillo City Council that the zoo transition to a non-profit model. The city council voted to move forward with the proposal in March 2026, and the paperwork is now complete to officially transform the Amarillo Zoo into the Amarillo Zoo and Sanctuary.

  • The Amarillo Zoo will temporarily close on April 3, 2026.
  • The closure will last close to a month, with a reopening date of April 27, 2026.

The players

Stephanie Brady

The director of the Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, who proposed the plan to transition the Amarillo Zoo to a non-profit sanctuary model.

Amarillo City Council

The local government body that voted to approve the proposal to transform the Amarillo Zoo into a non-profit sanctuary in March 2026.

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What’s next

When the Amarillo Zoo and Sanctuary reopens on April 27, visitors can expect to see upgrades, a greater selection of animals, and a renewed focus on wildlife rehabilitation and conservation.

The takeaway

The transformation of the Amarillo Zoo into a non-profit sanctuary represents a significant shift in the city's approach to animal care and conservation. By transitioning to a mission-driven model, the zoo aims to provide enhanced animal welfare, a more diverse species population, and greater educational opportunities for the community.