Certification recognizes the zoo’s continued commitment to sustainability, conservation, and green building practices across two major projects.
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – JULY 20, 2026 – San Antonio Zoo is proud to announce The Ralston and Congo Falls at San Antonio Zoo achieved LEED Certified status in 2026, recognizing the zoo’s continued commitment to sustainability, conservation, and education.
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the world’s most widely used green building standard. Earning this certification means a building has been built and designed to use resources more wisely, operate more efficiently, and create healthier spaces for the people — and animals — who use them.
Together, Congo Falls, a 14,100-square-foot habitat, and The Ralston, a 29,560-square-foot event space, do more than expand the zoo’s footprint. Set in one of the campus’s most visible locations, they give guests, staff, and the broader San Antonio community a front-row seat to sustainable design in action — proof that protecting the planet and creating unforgettable guest experiences can go hand in hand.
“This project reflects our commitment to conservation at every level, from the animals in our care to the buildings and spaces we create for our guests, staff, and community,” said Tim Morrow, President & CEO of San Antonio Zoo. “Sustainability is not separate from our mission. It is part of how we inspire people to protect wildlife and the places they call home.”
Sustainability features at Congo Falls and The Ralston include major water conservation efforts, energy-efficient systems, preserved open space, responsible material choices, and improved indoor environmental quality.
Water conservation was a major focus of the project. Combined, both buildings use 51% less water than a typical building through high-efficiency plumbing fixtures, native and drought-tolerant plants, efficient irrigation systems, and water meters that help track and optimize consumption. The water saved each year is equal to approximately 2.5 Olympic swimming pools.
Energy efficiency was also built into the project through LED lighting, automated lighting controls, high-performance roofs, windows, and walls, energy recovery systems on air conditioning units, and energy meters that monitor consumption in real time. These features help reduce emissions that contribute to climate change, one of the greatest threats facing wildlife and natural habitats around the world.
The project also prioritized sustainable site design. Fifty-six percent of the site was preserved as open space, and construction took place on previously developed land rather than untouched habitat. Rain gardens were added to help manage stormwater naturally, while cool roofing materials and shade trees help reduce the urban heat island effect.
Healthy materials and indoor air quality were another important part of the project. The construction team selected more than 40 products with Health Product Declarations and more than 40 products with Environmental Product Declarations. Low-emitting materials were used to support healthier indoor air, and 51% of construction waste was diverted from landfills. More than 187 tons of limestone found on-site were reused as new retaining walls at Congo Falls and in a local historical renovation at the Alamo.
Congo Falls and The Ralston also support San Antonio Zoo’s educational mission. Through signage, case studies, educational outreach, and guided tour opportunities, guests can learn how green building practices connect to wildlife conservation. From saving water and energy to choosing safer materials and protecting open space, the project demonstrates how sustainable choices can make a meaningful impact for people, animals, and the planet.
At a Glance: LEED Certified Highlights
• Combined building water use was reduced by 51% compared to a typical building
• Water savings are equal to approximately 2.5 Olympic swimming pools each year
• Native and drought-tolerant plants help reduce outdoor irrigation needs
• High-efficiency plumbing fixtures help reduce indoor water use
• Water meters track and optimize consumption
• LED lighting was installed throughout both buildings
• Automated lighting controls turn lights off when spaces are empty
• High-performance roofing, windows, and walls help keep cool air inside
• Energy recovery systems on air conditioning units help reuse energy
• Energy meters monitor consumption in real time
• 56% of the site was preserved as open space
• The project was built on previously developed land
• Rain gardens help manage stormwater naturally
• Cool roofing materials and shade trees help reduce heat island effect
• More than 40 products with Health Product Declarations were selected
• More than 40 products with Environmental Product Declarations were selected
• Low-emitting materials were used to support healthy indoor air
• 51% of construction waste was diverted from landfills
• More than 187 tons of limestone found on-site were reused
• Sustainable design features will be incorporated into guest education, staff training, and community outreach
About San Antonio Zoological Society
San Antonio Zoological Society was established in 1929 and is a nonprofit organization committed to securing a future for wildlife. The society operates San Antonio Zoo, Will Smith Zoo School, Edutainment, Center for Conservation and Research at San Antonio Zoo, and Kiddie Park. Learn more www.sazoo.org
About San Antonio Zoo
San Antonio Zoo®, operating since 1914, is a nonprofit zoological facility committed to securing a future for wildlife. Through its passion and expertise in animal care, conservation, and education, the zoo’s mission is to inspire its community to love, engage with, act for and protect animals and the places they live. The zoo welcomes more than a million visitors each year and is open year-round. San Antonio Zoo operates the largest nature-based preschool in the country, Will Smith Zoo School, the Center for Conservation and Research, and Kiddie Park. San Antonio Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Zoological Association of America, the American Animal Hospital Association, and Humane Certified by American Humane.
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