San Antonio Zoo Celebrates Grand Opening of Brewer Ocean Conservation Lab

New state-of-the-art conservation and education facility advances coral restoration, research, and public engagement 

 

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – JUNE 1, 2026 – On World Reef Awareness Day, San Antonio Zoo officially opened the Brewer Ocean Conservation Lab, a new state-of-the-art conservation and education facility dedicated to coral restoration, research, and ocean conservation.

 The grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony brought together zoo leadership, the Brewer family, San Antonio City Councilwomen Marina Alderete Gavito and Phyllis Viagran, donors, community supporters, conservation partners, and media to celebrate a major milestone in the zoo’s growing commitment to protecting marine ecosystems.

 Made possible through a generous gift from the Brewer family in honor of the late R.P. Brewer III, the lab supports coral conservation efforts in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE) program. The facility focuses on cultivating corals for restoration efforts while providing guests with immersive educational experiences that connect them to one of the world’s most threatened ecosystems.

 The Brewer Ocean Conservation Lab is the first facility of its kind at San Antonio Zoo, featuring deep-water Texas and international coral species, interactive educational experiences, and hands-on programming designed to inspire future conservationists. More than an exhibit, the space serves as a working research and restoration lab where coral propagation and conservation efforts will directly support reef recovery initiatives.

 “This is not just another exhibit; this is a working research and restoration lab,” said Tim Morrow, President and CEO of San Antonio Zoo. “Coral reefs are among the most biodiverse and threatened ecosystems on the planet. Through the Brewer Ocean Conservation Lab, we are cultivating corals right here in San Antonio and helping restore reefs for future generations.”

 Although San Antonio is hundreds of miles from the coast, the new lab provides guests with a firsthand opportunity to experience and learn about coral reef ecosystems and the critical role they play in supporting life around the globe.

 The lab honors the legacy of R.P. Brewer III, a beloved San Antonio College geology professor whose passion for science, education, and the natural world inspired generations of students. Funded by Robert and Amy Brewer and the Brewer family, the facility celebrates his lifelong commitment to learning, discovery, and conservation.

 “We hope this lab sparks the same joy and wonder in every visitor that my father found in a lifetime of education and discovery,” said Robert Brewer, son of R.P. Brewer III. “We wanted to provide San Antonio families a firsthand experience of the ‘rainforest of the seas’ and help educate our community about how critically endangered coral reefs are across the globe.”

 Following the remarks, Tim Morrow, Robert and Amy Brewer were joined by San Antonio City Councilwomen Marina Alderete Gavito and Phyllis Viagran, as well as San Antonio Zoo’s 2026 King of the Jungle, Christopher Arce, and Queen of the Jungle, Diane Eckerle, for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the opening of the Brewer Ocean Conservation Lab.

 Coral reefs support approximately 25 percent of all marine life, yet they continue to face unprecedented threats from climate change, pollution, disease, and habitat loss. Through research, restoration, and public education, the Brewer Ocean Conservation Lab will help raise awareness about these challenges while contributing to tangible conservation solutions.

 The opening of the Brewer Ocean Conservation Lab marks a significant step forward in San Antonio Zoo’s conservation efforts, expanding its work to protect and restore some of the world’s most vulnerable marine ecosystems.

San Antonio Zoo Welcomes Endangered Cotton-Top Tamarin Twins

Methodist Healthcare joins the moment with a twin-themed visual and expert insight

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – April 13, 2026 – San Antonio Zoo is excited to announce the birth of cotton-top tamarin twins, born in late March of 2026. The tiny newcomers can be found bonding with their family troop in the zoo’s NEOTROPICA area.

While every new birth is a cause for celebration, the arrival of these twins is especially meaningful. Cotton-top tamarins are critically endangered, with only about 6,000 individuals remaining in the wild due to habitat loss. Twin births are extremely common for cotton-top tamarins, with roughly 80% of births resulting in fraternal twins. Despite their rarity in the wild, twins are a natural and expected part of this species’ biology. Animal care teams closely monitored the mother throughout her pregnancy, which typically lasts between 140 to 180 days, using voluntary training techniques such as regular weight checks to ensure her health and wellbeing. Since twin births are the norm, the delivery process is generally similar to a single birth.

To mark the occasion, San Antonio Zoo is collaborating with Methodist Healthcare to highlight an interesting connection between cotton-top tamarin twin births and human twin pregnancies. While twin births are common for cotton-top tamarins, they are far less common in people. According to March of Dimes, 10,714 twins were born in Texas in 2024.

Methodist Healthcare delivers more babies than any other hospital system in San Antonio. To celebrate the moment, twins born at Methodist Hospital | Westover Hills were photographed alongside twin cotton-top tamarin stuffed animals, creating a sweet visual connection between the zoo’s newest arrivals and growing families in San Antonio.

“Twin pregnancies can be an exciting journey for families, but they often require added attention throughout pregnancy and delivery,” said Lucy Koneri, Director of Women’s Services at Methodist Hospital | Westover Hills. “Women expecting twins may need closer monitoring, along with extra support for hydration, nutrition, rest, and common symptoms like fatigue, heartburn, and back pain. Our goal at Methodist Healthcare is to help mothers feel informed, supported, and cared for every step of the way.” 

In a parallel display of caregiving, the entire cotton-top tamarin family group immediately stepped in to help care for the infants. The father and siblings take turns carrying the babies, giving the mother time to rest and recover—an essential behavior for the species. 

“The birth of these twins is an exciting moment for our team and for conservation efforts worldwide,” said Tim Morrow, President & CEO of San Antonio Zoo. “Cotton-top tamarins are critically endangered, and every birth is a meaningful step forward in protecting and preserving this incredible species for generations to come.” 

Guests visiting San Antonio Zoo may spot the infants riding on the backs of their parents as they grow stronger and more independent in the coming weeks.

San Antonio Zoo Unveils “Warriors Heart Train,” Honoring U.S. Military and Those Who Serve 

New train transforms every ride into a journey of remembrance and gratitude

 

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – APRIL 9, 2026 – San Antonio Zoo officially unveiled the Warriors Heart Train during a special ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday morning, celebrating the service and sacrifice of U.S. military members and their families.

The patriotic, steam engine-style train is now the third in the zoo’s fleet and serves as a moving tribute to the men and women of the Armed Forces. The train was made possible through a generous lead donation from Warriors Heart, the first and only private, accredited treatment program in the U.S. exclusively serving active-duty military, veterans, and first responders struggling with addiction, PTSD, and related challenges. The train is fueled by Valero, whose support helps power this tribute for guests year-round.

“This train is more than just a ride, it’s a living tribute,” said Tim Morrow, President & CEO of San Antonio Zoo. “Each journey is an opportunity to honor and remember those who have served our country. In Military City, U.S.A., this is a meaningful way to connect our community with that legacy.”

A defining element of the project is its craftsmanship. Over the past year, San Antonio Zoo’s Maintenance Team dedicated countless hours to building out, detailing, and finalizing the Warriors Heart Train, ensuring it reflects both the nostalgia of classic park trains and the significance of its mission.

The train features a wheelchair-accessible coach, which is branded with San Antonio’s official, trademarked nickname, Military City USA. 

 The unveiling ceremony brought together community leaders, military representatives, and key partners for a program rooted in patriotic tradition. The event opened with the presentation of the colors by the Highlands High School Army JROTC Color Guard and a performance of the National Anthem by U.S. Army Veteran Nikita Fox.

 Speakers included Tim Morrow, President & CEO of San Antonio Zoo; Josh Lannon, Co-Founder and CEO of Warriors Heart; Tom Spooner, U.S. Army (Ret.), Co-Founder and President of Warriors Heart; Retired Major General Juan G. Ayala, representing the City of San Antonio; and U.S. Navy Veteran Gina Ponce with Bexar County Military Veterans Services. Both city and county proclamations were presented during the ceremony, underscoring the importance of honoring military service within the San Antonio community.

 Also in attendance were Lisa Lannon, Co-Founder of Warriors Heart and San Antonio Zoo Board Member, and Laurie Spooner, Co-Founder of Warriors Heart, along with additional Warriors Heart representatives, whose presence highlighted the organization’s ongoing commitment to supporting veterans and first responders. The celebration concluded with the train’s first ceremonial ride, welcoming donors and supporters alongside active-duty and retired military members and their families.

The Warriors Heart Train features dedicated seats, benches, and full train coaches that honor individual service members, military families, and legacies. Each element represents a personal story that will be carried forward with every ride.

“San Antonio is one of the most military-connected cities in the nation, and this train carries more than passengers—it carries a message,” said Josh Lannon, CEO and Co-Founder of Warriors Heart. “A message that we will continue to honor those who served, past and present.”

Those wishing to honor and recognize a past or present member of the military still have the opportunity to purchase a dedicated seat, bench, or coach and can learn more at www.sazoo.org/zootrain.

In recognition of the Month of the Military Child, San Antonio Zoo is offering FREE admission throughout April for children of active-duty, retired, and veteran military members, with up to four additional family members receiving 50% off admission.