Photo: San Antonio Zoo
H-E-B is donating $3 million to the San Antonio Zoo to support its master plan. Zoo officials received the gift on Monday. The multi-year Generation Zoo master plan includes a new entrance and plaza, the return of gorillas with a state-of-the-art habitat, and an event center that can hold 500 people.
With phase one work for the zoo's master plan already underway, H-E-B and the H-E-B Tournament of Champions Charitable Trust have partnered to make donations of $2 million and $1 million, respectively. The gifts will support efforts related to the first phase of the zoo's master plan, which includes a new entrance and plaza, the return of gorillas with a world-class habitat, and a 500-person capacity event center.
As part of H-E-B's commitment, the zoo's redesigned front entrance will feature H-E-B Plaza, which will reflect the unique sights, sounds, and spirit of San Antonio, showcasing vibrant papel picado decorations, murals from local artists, an elaborate fountain, an overhead trail system for lemurs, and more. H-E-B Plaza is currently under construction and set to open in November.
"As longtime supporters of the San Antonio Zoo, H-E-B is excited to be a part of this transformative effort," said Winell Herron, Group Vice President of Public Affairs, Diversity, and Environmental Affairs. "We're proud our gift will support the zoo's vision to expand conservation and education opportunities while creating beautiful spaces that will continue to welcome families for generations to come."
"H-E-B's extraordinary gift of $3 million dollars to San Antonio Zoo is a truly transformational contribution," said Tim Morrow, President & CEO of San Antonio Zoo. "This remarkable donation, one of the largest H-E-B has made in recent years, will empower the zoo to continue to grow and improve while creating inviting and accessible spaces for our community and visitors to enjoy. With H-E-B's unwavering support, the zoo will become an even more captivating and educational destination for families, children, and nature enthusiasts. We extend our deepest gratitude to H-E-B for their commitment to conservation and their dedication to improving the well-being of our local community."
The gifts from H-E-B and the H-E-B Tournament of Champions bring the zoo closer to reaching its fundraising goal for the first phase of the Generation Zoo master plan. Improvements associated with phase one of the zoo's master plan are expected to cost approximately $67 million. While some efforts are still under development and design, the gorilla habitat and event center are expected to open in early 2025.