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ChatGPTClaudePerplexity· Related development
Parks Board recommends the council evaluate the zoo proposal (9-0) and proceed with the Wonderland lease (7-0)
Stephanie Brady presented a plan to rebrand the zoo as the Amarillo Zoo and Sanctuary with a projected initial annual budget of $1 million and a City subsidy falling by $50,000 a year over six years. The board voted 9-0 to recommend the council proceed and evaluate a proposed lease with Wild West Wildlife, including budgeting, fundraising capacity and operations. On Wonderland, staff described a $10,000 annual lease with the first two years waived, compared with $96,000 in 2022 revenue; the board voted 7-0 to recommend the council proceed.[1]
Michael KashubaWild West Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
What the sources say
- ✓ Verified
As recorded in the December 3, 2025 minutes, the presenter outlined "a projected initial annual budget of $1 million, funded through city subsidies, existing revenue, and donor support," with the City subsidy reduced "by $50,000 each year over the next six years until the zoo is fully nonprofit funded"; wages starting at $15 an hour "without any employee benefits the first few years"; and hiring some current zoo employees. The board raised concerns about fundraising, employee benefits and "the risk of increased admission fees if revenue falls short." [1]
- Initial budget
- $1,000,000
- Annual subsidy reduction
- $50,000
- ✓ Verified
The board "recommends the city council ensures and evaluate a proposed lease agreement with Wild West Wildlife for operation of the Amarillo Zoo, including an evaluation of future budgeting, fundraising capacity, and operational capabilities"; the motion by Thomas Riney, seconded by Bob Altman, passed 9-0. [1]
- Votes for
- 9
- Votes against
- 0
- ✓ Verified
The Parks director told the board the proposed Wonderland lease "is set at $10,000 annually, with the first two years waived to allow for immediate capital improvements," contrasting it "with previous revenues of $96,000 in 2022, with a projected decline to $70,000 by 2025." The board recommended the council proceed with negotiating the lease "at the reduced rate to ensure Wonderland remains operational," 7-0. [1]
- Annual rent
- $10,000
- Revenue 2022
- $96,000
- Projected 2025
- $70,000
- Votes for
- 7
