African Expansion contract is approved for El Paso Zoo

On November 14th, 2006, the El Paso City Council by unanimous decision approved the construction contract with Dantex Construction Inc. to build the Zoo's Western Expansion.

El Paso City representatives voted unanimously to award a lump sum contract of $17,080,073.00 to Dantex Construction Inc. All key elements of the zoo bond project are now being completed - the vote by the city approves the last of the 4 phased projects; including the Zoo parking lot that's already under construction and nearly completed, improvements to the Americas exhibits (kids will be able to see the reptiles in their new home - a new reptile house is to be constructed), African exhibits and a new front entry gate with new restrooms.

And.what's in the mix for Africa? Besides the new entrance, there'll be a new visitors' facility, a new restaurant, a new gift shop, new restrooms and our younger visitors will enjoy riding though the zoo on a new train sponsored by SSA (Service Systems Associates) the Zoo's concessionaire. The El Paso Zoo will double in size - expanding from 18 acres to 36 acres and building the Africa Savannah where Dudley Field once stood.

Educating future generations is at the forefront of Zoo priorities as parents will be able to take their children to programs at the Discovery Education Center. The Center will cost approximately $1,310,000 - that includes bond funds and a major grant from the El Paso Water Utilities and other grant foundations.

The African lion will be a featured exhibit in the new African Savannah. It will be a place where children can watch lions sun themselves while nearby zebras and giraffes feed.

Currently, the zoo serves around 300,000 people a year - 130,000 are children. In 2000, the El Paso voters overwhelming approved $33 million dollars in bond monies for these zoo projects. The Zoo plans to officially break ground on December 7th at 10:00am.

Expect to see construction completed by the end of 2007 into early 2008. The animals will start arriving in 2008. The Zoo will open exhibits in phases throughout 2008 and 2009. This new Zoo is going to generate a lot of excitement, enhance economic development and become a big economic asset to the City of El Paso!