Midland is first new U.S. zoo project in 25 years. What animals will it house?

Things are getting wild in Midland!

Zoo Midland has officially broken ground at The Preserve, marking a major milestone for the city.

Set to open by mid-2027, Zoo Midland is the first new zoo construction project in the U.S. in 25 years. The nonprofit zoo, which first announced the project last year, describes itself as a venture dedicated to "providing fun and highly interactive experiences, bringing you closer to extraordinary animals and nature’s wonders."

While the full list of animals has yet to be finalized, the zoo plans to build facilities tailored to specific types of animals, such as carnivores and birds, before determining the exact species, according to the Midland Reporter-Telegram. Each animal will also be selected based on a strict set of criteria to ensure they can thrive in Midland’s windy, desert climate, according to the Midland Reporter-Telegram.

However, the nonprofit did confirm three animals: giraffes, a species of rhino and lorikeets, which is a parrot species found in Australia.

The Reporter-Telegram wrote that the zoo will also build its facilities so animals can be protected while maintaining a viewer experience regardless of the weather.

“If you’ve ever been to a zoo, and it says ‘Sorry, the animals are inside due to inclement weather,’ our zoo will be different,” said Jeff Beard, the president of Zoo Midland, during the groundbreaking. “As far as the displays, interior and exterior displays that animals can go, our zoo will have both. As the weather gets bad, you will actually be able to see into the interior area. You will get to go into the barn where they are kept, which, just seeing a giraffe in a barn, that’s interesting.” 

Where is the nearest zoo to Midland?

Other zoos nearby include the Abilene Zoo, about 150 miles to the east; the Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park in Carlsbad, New Mexico, about 150 miles to the west; and the Amarillo Zoo, 240 miles north in the Panhandle.

What is The Preserve at Midland?

The Preserve at Midland is a transformative development taking shape on the former Nueva Vista Golf Club site. Spanning 173 acres, the project prioritizes sustainability by preserving significant portions of the land for green space and parks while minimizing environmental impact and maintaining a buffer from nearby neighborhoods.

Designed as a mixed-use destination, The Preserve will feature 110,000 square feet of food and beverage space, 106,700 square feet of commercial space, and 119,200 square feet of retail and office opportunities. Additionally, up to 44% of the property will be dedicated to green space, incorporating native grasses and flora to support local wildlife.

For outdoor enthusiasts, The Preserve will introduce over two miles of public trails designed for walking, running, and cycling. The trail system will circle the property’s perimeter, connecting visitors to restaurants, retail spaces, and the Central Green, a planned community gathering area.