San Antonio Zoo opens event center with gorilla habitat views
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Entrance of The Ralston. Photo: Courtesy of the San Antonio Zoo
The Ralston, the San Antonio Zoo's new event space with sweeping views of animals and the city skyline, is now open.
Why it matters: The space adds a major revenue stream that will help the zoo fund its mission for animal conservation.
The vibe: The Ralston overlooks Congo Falls, the new gorilla habitat anchored by the 70-foot Mays Family Silverback Peak tower.
- The exhibit, set to open later this year, brings gorillas back to the zoo for the first time in more than 30 years.
By the numbers: The event venue can seat up to 500 guests.
Between the lines: It was funded by a $10 million donation from philanthropist Shannon Ralston, who named it in honor of her mother, Laurie. It's the largest donation in the zoo's nearly 100-year history.
What's next: The zoo will debut the Brewer Ocean Conservation Lab next summer, designed to revive coral reefs by growing corals for reintroduction off the Texas coast and abroad.
