News Summary
In response to the recent devastating floods in the Texas Hill Country, the San Antonio Zoo has mobilized its Disaster Response Team to aid in animal rescues. Awaiting clearance to enter severely impacted areas, the team aims to help displaced wildlife while the community processes the tragedy, including the loss of a young resident. With over 170 individuals reported missing, the zoo encourages local support for ongoing recovery efforts as it temporarily closes to ensure animal safety.
San Antonio – The San Antonio Zoo is mobilizing its efforts to assist in the aftermath of the devastating Fourth of July floods that affected the Texas Hill Country. The zoo has deployed its specialized Disaster Response, Rescue, and Recovery Team, which has previous experience in similar crises, including support during Hurricane Harvey. The initial mission of the team is centered around rescuing animals that have been displaced by the flooding, which has resulted in widespread destruction across the region.
Currently, zoo officials are awaiting clearance to enter the most severely impacted areas of the Hill Country. The community has suffered tremendously, exemplified by the tragic death of eight-year-old Renee Marilyn Smajstrla, whose loss has deepened the grief experienced by residents in Kerrville, Texas. In light of this tragedy, community members are gathering at the Dallas Daughtry Memorial Pavilion, seeking solace and support as they navigate their sorrow and begin to recover from the calamity.
The recent flooding has left a noticeable mark on the landscape, with extensive debris, uprooted trees, and other remnants of destruction. Many local residents are struggling to process the enormity of the disaster, with some drawing parallels to significant historical events. In the face of such overwhelming loss, the community is coming together, emphasizing resilience and mutual support through a series of small acts of kindness to help one another in the recovery journey.
Compounding the distress, over 170 individuals are currently reported missing in the wake of the floods, prompting urgent efforts for search and recovery. The San Antonio Zoo, while closed temporarily due to heavy rainfall and flooding, mobilized staff to ensure the safety of its animals during the severe weather conditions. Although the zoo itself was affected by the floods, impacting areas such as office spaces, gift shops, and restrooms, staff members worked diligently to minimize damages and safeguard the animals.
As the zoo prepares to assist in the Hill Country, its president and CEO emphasized the personal connection this mission holds for Texans. While the San Antonio Zoo typically reaches out to assist other zoological facilities during disasters, this deployment reflects a direct commitment to the local community affected by this tragedy.
The San Antonio Zoo relies heavily on visitor attendance and donations to sustain its operations. As the community begins to heal, the zoo is encouraging support through admissions, memberships, and donations to assist in ongoing efforts. The zoo offers a variety of pricing options, including discounts for residents of Bexar County, to encourage local participation and support.
The zoo operates from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday through Friday and extends its hours to 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays. In addition to the ongoing recovery efforts, the San Antonio Zoo recently celebrated the birth of a capybara named Tupi, marking the first capybara born at the zoo in 24 years. While Tupi’s gender reveal was postponed until he could show visible signs of sex, the announcement generated significant interest on social media.
As the San Antonio Zoo continues to respond to the recent disasters, the broader community faces the challenging task of rebuilding and providing assistance to those in need, illustrating the strength and resilience of the Texas Hill Country.
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Additional Resources
- KENS5: Texas Zoo Flood Response
- Wikipedia: San Antonio Zoo
- Spectrum Local News: Honor Flood Victims
- Google Search: San Antonio Zoo Flood
- KSAT: San Antonio Zoo Reopens
- Google Scholar: San Antonio Zoo flood recovery
- KENS5: Zoo Lights Up for Flood Victims
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas floods
- KSAT: Financial Dry Spell Due to Flood
- Google News: San Antonio Zoo Flood Impact
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
