In 2024, the Cameron Park Zoo completed its original master plan with the opening of the Gloria and FM Young Penguin Shores, the Erwin, Estes, & Jaynes Education Center, and the Carol Schmidhauser Veterinary Hospital. 

With these amazing additions, the Zoo also experienced tremendous loss with the death of Tembo in December 2025 due to age-related health complications. She was deeply loved by our staff and guests and made a lasting impact on the Zoo. 

At this time, the Cameron Park Zoo does not have plans to bring elephants back. Zoos across the country are experiencing changes in elephant programs as elephant populations in accredited zoos continue to age and long-term planning evolves. We are thoughtfully planning the future and evaluating the best use of space and habitats across the Zoo.

To begin planning for the future, the zoo engaged Canopy Strategic Partners to conduct an integrated planning process that would use stakeholder input to develop a new vision for the Cameron Park Zoo. The integrated planning process would involve strategic planning, site development planning, and will conclude with a business plan to implement new improvements.

A zoo is a place to connect people to animals and nature but, for what purpose? Through conversations with staff, stakeholders, and community members, we have created an understanding of what the community wants from its zoo:

Vision: A world where people and animals thrive together.

Mission: Together, we exist to protect wildlife and wild places by connecting people to nature and conservation.

The spaces our animals live in matter. How our guests feel at the Zoo is critical. Engagement through the Zoo experience is the glue that creates empathy for wildlife and wild places that will engage people in our mission. The future of the Cameron Park Zoo will include expanded habitats, biome centric experiences, and a new signature species. Our team envisions a destination-style play environment rooted in exploration and cultural storytelling – a natural gathering hub where families linger, relax, and engage. 

Stay tuned for more information, as this journey has just begun!