Amarillo City Council approves lease agreement for Amarillo Zoo

AMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) - Amarillo City Council approved a lease agreement for the Amarillo Zoo between the city and Amarillo Zoo & Sanctuary, Inc. (AZS).

Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation Center and Amarillo Zoo & Sanctuary will operate as separate nonprofits, but both will be managed to serve the community and support animal care and education in Amarillo.

According to a news release, the agreement establishes a long-term partnership to enhance and modernize the zoo while preserving it as a city-owned public asset.

The city retains ownership of the zoo, the land and the animals.

Amarillo Zoo & Sanctuary, Inc. will manage daily operations with an emphasis on conservation, education and community programming.

The initial lease is 20 years and ends December 30, 2046.

The agreement provides for three optional five-year renewal periods.

AZS will need to attain accreditation from either the Association of Zoos and Aquariums or the Zoological Association of America.

The lease payment is set at $1 per year.

The city may provide up to $900,000 in grant funding over six fiscal years.

Councilmember Tim Reid says the proposed grant funding would start at $150,000 and decrease each year to $50,000 dollars by year six.

The proposed schedule would be:

• Fiscal Year 1: $150,000
• Fiscal Year 2: $250,000
• Fiscal Year 3: $200,000
• Fiscal Year 4: $150,000
• Fiscal Year 5: $100,000
• Fiscal Year 6: $50,000

“This really is an important thing that we have a legitimate nonprofit that has the bona fides to run a zoo. We know that they’re successful,” said Reid. “Not only do they know how to do it, they’ve got the compassion for the animals, and they have a drive to make sure that the city has an attraction that people are going to want to go to.”

The zoo will be required to serve as a community education facility.

Existing programs, such as school field trips, camps and outreach initiatives may only be altered with council approval.

Animal care standards are also specified. A veterinarian with experience in zoological species must be available for routine care and emergencies.