Fosters Donate Large Sum to El Paso Zoo for New Playground and Ampitheater

A generous donation from local philanthropists Alejandra and Paul Foster will allow the El Paso Zoo to fund construction of two exciting new additions.

The first donation of $500,000 will fund the construction of a Treehouse Playground. The playground, which will be built adjacent to the Splash Pad that was funded by a donation from the Hunt Family Foundation, will offer several shaded structures for children to enjoy with slides, climbing features, bridges, and an elevated lookout area. The playground will take six months to build, with an expected completion date in the Spring of 2014.

The second donation totaling $900,000 is to be divided out over three years, and will allow for the zoo to contract animal specialists for performances in the new “Wildlife Amphitheater” – a project that is part of the Quality-of-Life Bond Initiatives approved by voters last November. The Wildlife Amphitheater will have approximately 300 seats, and will be used to showcase interactive bird and animal demonstrations. Visitors will be able to see animals up close in an open and inviting environment. These animal specialists train and transport their featured animal stars, and put on the performances for guests to enjoy.

“Alejandra and I both love animals, and hope that these two new features will be great additions to our ever growing and special zoo,” said Paul Foster. “We are so pleased when we think of the joy the playground and the Wildlife Amphitheater will bring to families in El Paso. We are very fortunate to be able to give back to our city, and we remain committed to doing what we can to add to our community’s quality of life.”