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Cameron Park Zoo is one of only two accredited zoos in Texas still managed by their cities, according to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Zoo Director Brendan Wiley told the Waco City Council last week that most have transitioned to nonprofit governance while still receiving some government subsidies.
“The most common style of governance is nonprofit,” Wiley said, adding that financial considerations are the main reason for such changes.
In 2023, the city and the Cameron Park Zoological Society began exploring how best to operate the zoo. They hired consulting group Canopy Strategic Partners to compare the current public model with a nonprofit alternative.
Consultant Zach Winfield told council members that keeping the current governance structure could result in a $2.3 million deficit over the next decade. By contrast, shifting to nonprofit management could generate a $2.5 million surplus — a $5 million swing.
Both models assume the zoo would continue receiving about $3 million a year from the city and add 30 new positions to maintain accreditation. The primary financial difference comes from changes to personnel costs and benefits.
Winfield said the zoo will need a new master plan regardless of governance.
“We need to figure out what the future vision for the zoo looks like to make sure that it is vibrant and thriving and growing and interesting to the community and families here in Waco,” he said.
Council members are expected to decide on potential privatization at a later date. Winfield said last week’s presentation was the first step in the conversation.
Got a tip? Email Molly-Jo Tilton at Molly-jo_tilton@baylor.edu.
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