EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — City officials spell out the steps the El Paso Zoo has taken to earn back the national accreditation it lost more than a year ago over maintenance issues.
The City of El Paso’s Deputy City Manager Richard Bristol said the zoo has entered the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ peer mentor program and has been assigned a mentor.
Deputy City Manager Richard Bristol. Credit: KFOX14/CBS4
Bristol explained that the mentor has highlighted what needs to be corrected in order for the zoo to be AZA-accredited again.
Furthermore, Bristol said the zoo has brought in a “culture coach” to help with the organizational culture in the department and employee development.
“What we learned was we need to marry our practices tighter to the accreditation standards and make the accreditation standards for the AZA part of our daily maintenance and operations protocols,” Bristow said.
Regarding the South American Pavilion– which the inspection report that led to the zoo losing the accreditation highlighted as needing “major rehabilitation”– Bristol said that it is scheduled to go into construction in the fall.
El Paso Zoo South American Pavilion. Credit: KFOX14/CBS4
RELATED: El Paso Zoo loses national accreditation over maintenance woes, city races to win it back
Back in March of 2025, KFOX14/CBS4 reported the El Paso zoo had lost its accreditation due to maintenance concerns regarding infrastructure such as pathways, railings and signage, not issues regarding animal care.
The AZA’s inspection report detailed issues such as a rotting wooden boardwalk, damaged wiring at the Africa exhibit, and aesthetic improvements to the South American Pavilion.
El Paso Zoo Africa wooden boardwalk. Credit: KFOX14/CBS4
RELATED: El Paso Zoo director departs amid leadership controversies, performance issues
KFOX14/CBS4 asked for an update regarding the search for the next director for the El Paso Zoo after former director Joe Montisano departed after being placed on administrative leave.
Former El Paso Zoo director Joe Montisano. (Credit: KFOX14/CBS4)
Bristol said the city has completed one round of interviews and plans to bring a smaller group of candidates to City Hall for in-person interviews on May 27.
Bristol added that officials will know more after a final round of interviews on May 29 and that they are considering internal candidates who currently work at the zoo.
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