San Antonio Zoo

San Antonio, Texas

Post Oak was engaged by the San Antonio Zoological Society to complete documentation of historic buildings and structures within the Zoo to promote the preservation of historic resources while allowing the Zoo the flexibility to adapt to modern standards for animal keeping. Due to the changing knowledge of animal welfare, many of the historically significant animal enclosures and exhibits within the Zoo no longer meet the standards for adequate animal enclosures.

Post Oak coordinated with interested parties, including management at the San Antonio Zoo, the City of San Antonio, and the Texas Historical Commission, on the approach to nominating significant buildings and structures within the San Antonio Zoo. In collaboration with stakeholders, Post Oak determined that an MPDF would streamline the documentation and preservation of historic buildings and structures while accommodating the changing needs of the animals, visitors, and management at the Zoo. Post Oak then conducted on-site field investigations, on-line and archival research, and compiled the relevant source materials into historic contexts associated with the development of zoos in the U.S. in the twentieth century and the evolution of the San Antonio Zoo. Post Oak identified distinct property types and registration requirements to create a comprehensive yet streamlined approach for the Zoo to preserve and adapt their historic buildings and structures.