H-E-B is proud to announce its commitment to supporting San Antonio Zoo’s Generation Zoo master plan, a multi-year effort that will transform amenities, animal habitats, and gathering areas at the zoo. To celebrate this news, H-E-B will sponsor free admission for teachers throughout August and discounted admission for families on designated H-E-B Community Days as the school year begins.
Through H-E-B’s sponsorship, educators will receive free admission and discounted admission for up to four guests in August. Teachers and administrators will need to show their school IDs to receive the free admission and discounted ticket price. H-E-B also will sponsor discounted rates during H-E-B Community Days, which will run from Sunday, August 20, through Sunday, August 27. On these days, guests can purchase tickets to the zoo for $8. H-E-B also is providing discounts and other opportunities at the zoo to celebrate its dedicated Partners.
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.
SAVE THE DATES!
H-E-B Community Days
discounted admission for families on a designated H-E-B Community Days.
Teacher’s Month
educators will receive free admission and discounted admission for up to four guests during August.
H-E-B
Community Days
discounted admission for families on a designated H-E-B Community Days
Teacher’s Month
educators will receive free admission and discounted admission for up to four guests during August.
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.
Efforts such as this underline H-E-B’s passionate commitment for Texas families, educators, and public spaces such as San Antonio Zoo and nearby Brackenridge Park, where the retailer also has committed to support work at the historic landmark that will improve natural areas, restore historic features, and establish a cultural trail that will provide an immersive educational experience.
“As longtime supporters of 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.”
Visitors to San Antonio Zoo and Brackenridge Park can anticipate improved pedestrian safety, traffic management, and accessibility for guests with disabilities. Other enhancements include a designated entrance for school groups and improved access away from street traffic.
Since 1989, H-E-B has sponsored several significant initiatives at San Antonio Zoo, including its Annual Fund, Will Smith Zoo School Endowment, Teacher Appreciation Month, Zoo Ball, Zoo Run, Africa Live Capital Campaign, and other sponsorships.
“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.
San Antonio Zoo invites those interested in contributing to this transformative project to contact the Development department at development@sazoo.org.
