- The exciting developments and projects at the El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens under the leadership of Joe Montisano.
- The significance of conservation efforts and the Species Survival Program within modern zoological institutions.
- The strategic planning and implementation of construction projects to enhance visitor experience and animal welfare.
- The role of community engagement and support in the success and growth of zoological gardens.
The El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens has embarked on a transformative journey, marking a period of significant growth and development under the guidance of Joe Montisano, the Zoo Director. With a clear vision for expansion and improvement, the zoo is not only enhancing its facilities but also reinforcing its commitment to conservation and education. This year has been pivotal for the zoo, seeing the completion of key projects that have been anticipated for some time.
The reopening of the Asia Forest Complex and the unveiling of the Nocturnal area are noteworthy accomplishments that have added new dimensions to the guest experience. Visitors can now traverse these meticulously designed habitats, observing diverse species in environments that mimic their natural settings. Despite the temporary backtracking required to exit due to ongoing works, the anticipation surrounding the upcoming Komodo Dragon Exhibit, set for 2026, remains high. Guests have been invited to witness the gradual transformation as the GALAPAGOS TORTOISE EXHIBIT prepares to reopen in early 2025, offering a peek into the biodiversity of the Americas. The underwater Sea Lion Exhibit is already captivating audiences, nestled within the Chihuahuan Desert section where it brings aquatic life to the heart of the desert landscape.
These projects are more than just physical expansions; they represent the zoo’s dedication to animal welfare and conservation science. The facelift of the South American Pavilion is on the horizon, promising refreshed exhibits that will transport visitors through the rich ecosystems of the continent. Each completed project signifies a step towards fulfilling the commitments made through the 2016 bond, whose resources have been allocated meticulously to foster an environment conducive to wildlife education and conservation.
Joe Montisano has emphasized that conservation remains the cornerstone of modern zoos. Through strategic collaborations with other zoos and the implementation of the Species Survival Program (SSP), the El Paso Zoo is playing a crucial role in preserving endangered and threatened species. This program, under the auspices of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), aims to maintain genetically viable populations, ensuring these animals can thrive both in captivity and, where possible, be reintroduced to the wild. The recent additions of the Binturong and Lars Gibbon exhibits not only enrich the zoo’s biodiversity but also align with these broader conservation goals. These species, also known as bearcats and agile primates, are expected to contribute to SSP breeding efforts, potentially leading to births that will boost their population numbers.
Community involvement remains a vital pillar of the zoo’s excellence. The support from guests, donors, and members has been indispensable, demonstrating a shared dedication to the welfare of wildlife and the educational mission of the zoo. This communal effort underscores the importance of zoos as centers of learning and conservation, where visitors can foster deeper connections with nature and gain firsthand insights into the pressing challenges facing biodiversity today.
As we look ahead to the future, these developments at the El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens serve as a testament to the strategic vision and effective management spearheaded by Joe Montisano. With projects poised for completion and ongoing engagement with the community and conservation initiatives, the zoo stands at the forefront of wildlife stewardship—paving the way for a sustainable and educational future for all who pass through its gates.
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Joe Montisano, Zoo Director,
“Thank you for a wonderful 2024! Thank you to all of our guests, donors, members, and wonderful zoo staff! With your patronage and help, 2025 is going to be a great year for the El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens!
I am very excited about our growth and finally completing most of our construction projects. Thank you for your patience during this period. After a long wait, both our Asia Forest Complex and Nocturnal area are now open. Unfortunately, you will still have to backtrack to exit the building, since the exit doors of or Nocturnal area lead to our KOMODO DRAGON EXHIBIT, which is set to open in 2026. Our GALAPAGOS TORTOISE EXHIBIT in the Americas section is set to reopen in early 2025, while our underwater SEA LION EXHIBIT in our Chihuahuan Desert section is again open. On the horizon, we also have a facelift and remodel of the South American Pavilion. Once that is complete, we will have depleted all of the 2016 bond and can close the bond funding.
If you have not been to the zoo recently, come and see our new Binturongs, also known as bearcats and our Lars Gibbons, primates that will be soon exploring their new island. Conservation is the cornerstone of any zoo, and our hope is that these two species will soon produce babies in accordance with our Species Survival Program (SSP) guidelines. An SSP is a program implemented by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) to help ensure the survival of genetically viable animal populations. We work together with other zoos to support SSP-breeding programs for threatened and endangered species. There a many other smaller and side projects that we are still working on to make your visit a memorable one.”
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Joe Montisano, director del zoológico:
“¡Gracias por un maravilloso 2024! ¡Gracias a todos nuestros invitados, donantes, miembros y maravilloso personal del zoológico! ¡Con su patrocinio y ayuda, 2025 será un gran año para el Zoológico y Jardín Botánico de El Paso!
