San Antonio Express-News (Sunday)
S.A. Zoo receives a $10 million donation, its largest ever
A $10 million donation from the Ralston Family Charitable Foundation will help the San Antonio Zoo’s expansion.
It’s the largest donation in the zoo’s history and will fund the first phase of the zoo’s campaign, including a new entrance and plaza, a gorilla habitat and an event center.
Phase one of the zoo’s master plan, estimated at $67 million, is almost complete, as the new entrance is set to open in December. The gorilla habitat and event center are scheduled for completion by early 2025.
Shannon Ralston said she and her family are passionate about wildlife conservation. She hopes “this gift inspires others to give to San Antonio Zoo, an amazing institution that leads conservation efforts worldwide, educates our children and provides world-class care.”
The new event center at the zoo will be named “The Ralston” to honor the family for their donation.
It will be located on top of the cliff wall overlooking gorillas in Congo Falls, lions in Big Cat City Valley and the African Savanna while featuring a view of the zoo’s skyline.
The Ralston will accommodate 500 people indoors and 600 people outdoors for galas, fundraisers, weddings and other celebratory moments.
This phase has been primarily funded through donations, zoo funds, 2022 voter-approved bond funds and Midtown’s Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) funds, according to a news release from the zoo.
Tim Morrow, president and CEO of the San Antonio Zoo, said the Ralston family’s “generous support” will advance efforts to create a better future for the zoo and the animals.
“We are deeply grateful for this gift, Shannon’s commitment to our community, and the lasting impact her contribution will have on our zoo and worldwide conservation efforts.”