El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens: A Leader in Conservation and Education

The El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens, an expansive 35-acre facility, is home to a diverse array of rare and endangered wildlife from North and South America, Asia, and Africa. Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), the Zoo plays a vital role in El Paso’s community, enhancing quality of life and driving economic growth while serving as an invaluable educational resource.

Conservation Efforts and Achievements

The Zoo’s commitment to conservation is exemplified by its most significant achievement: the successful participation in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Cross Fostering program for Mexican wolves. In 2021 and 2022, five critically endangered Mexican wolf pups born at the Zoo contributed to saving the species in the wild. Notably, in 2024, M2722, a male Mexican wolf pup born at the El Paso Zoo in 2022 and cross-fostered with a wild wolf pack, has found an uncollared female companion to den with in New Mexico.

Key Conservation Initiatives

• Sponsoring a Chihuahuan Desert Conference in collaboration with regional non-governmental organizations and universities in the U.S. and Mexico

• Launching the world’s first “Adopt an Agave” program to aid in the conservation of endangered Mexican long-nosed bats

• Acquiring a greater one-horned rhino as a conservation ambassador for rhino conservation efforts in Africa and Asia

• Supporting The Turner Endangered Species Fund in releasing captive-born Bolson Tortoises in the Chihuahuan Desert grasslands of New Mexico

Expert Care and Education

The Zoo’s highly skilled staff, including zookeepers, education specialists, and an animal medical team, provides exceptional care for a wide range of animals. From the tiniest invertebrates to delicate birds and animals weighing up to 5,000 pounds, the team tackles daily challenges in animal care, behavior, enrichment, and exhibit development.

Collaboration for a Thriving Ecosystem

The El Paso Zoo collaborates with various partners, including communities, corporations, nonprofits, and governments, all sharing a commitment to safeguard biodiversity and protect animal health. This network of conservation partners works towards creating a world where wildlife, people, and ecosystems thrive together.

As the El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens continues to raise the bar in conservation impact, it remains dedicated to celebrating the value of wildlife and natural resources while creating opportunities for people to rediscover their connections to nature.