San Antonio, Texas, December 24, 2025
Thanks to a generous $1 million donation from the Alvarez family, students from Title I schools in San Antonio will have free access to the new Congo Falls exhibit at the San Antonio Zoo. This initiative will allow over 3,000 second graders to learn about gorilla habitats and life cycles while integrating educational lessons across various subjects. The program, which aims to broaden its reach to all SAISD elementary schools, highlights the importance of community support in enhancing the educational experiences of low-income students in the city.
San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio ISD students will receive free field trips to the San Antonio Zoo’s new gorilla exhibit, thanks to a $1 million donation from the Alvarez family.
The Alvarez family, known for their philanthropic efforts in the city, donated $1 million to provide 3,000 second graders from Title I schools with free visits to the zoo’s Congo Falls exhibit. This exhibit, which opened earlier this month, features seven Western Lowland gorillas in a two-acre habitat that includes an indoor rain forest. The field trips aim to educate students about gorillas’ habitats and life cycles, integrating lessons in geography, reading, writing, and critical thinking. The partnership between the San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD) and the zoo began during the 2023-24 school year, providing field trips for 439 second graders from 15 district campuses. This year, 30 campuses will participate, sending approximately 3,250 students to the zoo. The zoo aims to eventually serve all 50 SAISD elementary schools. SAISD serves the city’s urban core and enrolls roughly 44,000 students, 89% of whom are low-income.
Background on Title I Schools
Title I schools are schools with a majority of low-income students enrolled. The Alvarez family, owners of the company that sells and markets products like Shiner beer, are known for their philanthropic efforts throughout the city. The San Antonio Zoo serves as a field trip destination for more than 100,000 school children each year. However, due to budget constraints, many Title I schools cannot afford to bring their students to the zoo. The zoo utilizes sponsorship money for scholarship opportunities for schools to continue their field trips to the zoo.
San Antonio Zoo’s Mission
The San Antonio Zoo is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring a deep respect for wildlife and the natural world. The zoo offers various educational programs and field trips for students, aiming to connect them with nature and provide learning experiences that support core learning goals in science, conservation, math, arts, and social sciences.
Commitment to Education
The San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD) is committed to delivering quality education and enriching experiences for all students, which is particularly crucial given that 89% of their approximately 44,000 students are from low-income backgrounds. The donation from the Alvarez family reflects the critical role that community support plays in enhancing the educational experiences of these young learners.
Future Prospects
In addition to serving 30 campuses this year, the zoo has plans to expand its reach to all 50 SAISD elementary schools. This initiative not only helps students learn about wildlife and conservation but also fosters a sense of community and responsibility toward the environment, elements that are essential for sustainable growth in education and community involvement.
Conclusion
This generous contribution by the Alvarez family showcases the power of local philanthropy in supporting educational initiatives. The integration of hands-on learning experiences such as field trips to the San Antonio Zoo is vital for cultivating a deep respect for wildlife among the city’s youth. As San Antonio continues to grow and evolve, community partnerships that prioritize education and environmental awareness are essential for nurturing the next generation of informed and responsible citizens. Supporting local initiatives, whether through contributions or community involvement, remains a key element in fostering economic and educational growth in San Antonio.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Alvarez family’s contribution to the San Antonio Zoo?
The Alvarez family donated $1 million to provide 3,000 second graders from Title I schools with free field trips to the San Antonio Zoo’s new gorilla exhibit.
What is the Congo Falls exhibit at the San Antonio Zoo?
The Congo Falls exhibit, which opened earlier this month, features seven Western Lowland gorillas in a two-acre habitat that includes an indoor rain forest.
What are Title I schools?
Title I schools are schools with a majority of low-income students enrolled.
How many students are enrolled in SAISD?
SAISD serves approximately 44,000 students, 89% of whom are low-income.
What is the mission of the San Antonio Zoo?
The San Antonio Zoo is dedicated to inspiring a deep respect for wildlife and the natural world.
| Key Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Donation Amount | $1 million |
| Number of Students | 3,000 second graders from Title I schools |
| Exhibit Name | Congo Falls |
| Number of Gorillas | Seven Western Lowland gorillas |
| Exhibit Size | Two-acre habitat with an indoor rain forest |
| SAISD Enrollment | Approximately 44,000 students, 89% of whom are low-income |
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