Established in 1888, the Dallas Zoo is not only the oldest and largest zoo in Texas, but it is also one of Dallas’s iconic destinations, sitting in the heart of Oak Cliff. It holds a unique position as one of the City’s large partners and has the distinguished position of being in the City’s charter.

When the City of Dallas faced a significant budget shortfall in 2009, the City entered into a public-private partnership with Dallas Zoo Management Inc., having it take on the day-to-day operations of the Zoo. That partnership has become a model for other management relationships in the City of Dallas and across the country. Under the partnership, the City pays the Zoo a management service fee, which is a contracted payment for the Zoo to operate 111 acres of city land, maintain more than 150 city buildings and facilities, care for more than 2,000 animals, and welcome approximately one million visitors annually. This partnership also ensures the Zoo continues to offer programs that benefit Dallas families, including Dollar Days, educational field trips with Dallas Independent School District and surrounding school districts, summer and winter camps, and conservation and education programs that inspire the next generation.

The Dallas Zoo’s Economic Impact in the City of Dallas

This independent economic impact study highlights how the City of Dallas will continue to benefit from investing in the Dallas Zoo, now through 2036. Released in July 2026, the findings from the study show that the Zoo is expected to generate $3.2 billion in total economic impact for the City of Dallas over the next 12 years. That translates to an average of more than $268 million per year, while supporting nearly 1,800 jobs annually, and contributing $149.9 million in state and local tax revenues over that same 12-year period.

Download Impact Overview

Summary of the Dallas Zoo’s Economic Impact Study

You can find a one-page summary of the Zoo’s economic impact study.

Download Impact Summary