Louis R. DiSabato, Transformative San Antonio Zoo Director, Dies at 94

DiSabato led the zoo for over 25 years, overseeing major expansions and modernizations.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Louis R. DiSabato, who served as the director of the San Antonio Zoo from 1968 to 1994, passed away on February 14, 2026 at the age of 94. During his tenure, DiSabato transformed the zoo from a collection of barred cages into an immersive wildlife park, overseeing the construction of new animal habitats, facilities, and exhibits that helped set new standards for gorilla care and display in zoos.

Why it matters

DiSabato's leadership and vision played a pivotal role in shaping the San Antonio Zoo into the acclaimed institution it is today. His work not only enhanced the visitor experience, but also advanced conservation efforts and inspired generations of zoo professionals.

The details

Under DiSabato's direction, the San Antonio Zoo underwent a major expansion and modernization. He oversaw the construction of a new animal hospital, educational facilities, and the redesign of habitats to better reflect animals' natural environments. Most notably, DiSabato opened the Congo Falls gorilla habitat in 1976, which became a "defining example" that transformed the way gorillas were cared for and displayed in zoos.

  • DiSabato became the San Antonio Zoo director in 1968 at the age of 36.
  • The Congo Falls gorilla habitat opened in 1976 during DiSabato's tenure.
  • DiSabato served as the San Antonio Zoo director until 1994, a total of 25 years.
  • Just two months before his death in 2026, DiSabato helped cut the ribbon for the zoo's new expanded gorilla habitat.

The players

Louis R. DiSabato

The transformational director of the San Antonio Zoo from 1968 to 1994, who oversaw major expansions and modernizations of the zoo's facilities and habitats.

Tim Morrow

The current president and CEO of the San Antonio Zoo, who has called DiSabato a "mentor, a living history book, a guide, and a friend."

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What they’re saying

“The way Louis turned the San Antonio Zoo into this beautiful facility has had an impact for generations here. In the zoological world, his work with the first hand-rearing of a gorilla and those kind of things have really helped conservation efforts around the world and inspired us to do great things here 40, 50 years after his time.”

— Tim Morrow, President and CEO, San Antonio Zoo

The takeaway

DiSabato's transformative leadership and vision for the San Antonio Zoo left a lasting legacy, as he modernized the institution, enhanced the visitor experience, and advanced conservation efforts in ways that continue to inspire the next generation of zoo professionals.