PLANNING OUR FUTURE
Help shape the zoo’s future as a conservation destination
THE VISION
What more could your zoo be in 20 years?
Woodland Park Zoo is embarking on a new Long-Range Facilities Planning process with a vision to become the Northwest’s premier center for wildlife conservation, where people connect with animals and each other to make their day and a difference.
This new Long-Range Facilities Plan will guide the physical development of the zoo for the next 20 years.
When completed, the plan will act as a flexible framework to ensure that we continue to be a must-see destination and can meet the current and future needs of animals, people and the environment to achieve our nonprofit conservation mission.
Planning begins in 2025 in partnership with the City of Seattle and Seattle Parks and Recreation and will continue through 2026.
Your Perspective is Needed!
Throughout 2025–2026, Woodland Park Zoo will seek input from the community to reflect your values, needs and aspirations in our planning efforts.
Look for a community survey on this page in summer 2025 to begin sharing your thoughts.
Sign up for zoo emails to be notified when the survey opens
The Path
For Animals, People and Planet
Woodland Park Zoo is creating a more sustainable world for animals and people. That’s why as Long-Range Facilities Planning begins, animal wellness, conservation, extraordinary experiences, accessibility and inclusion, and sustainability will be the principles that guide us.
What values are most important to you?
You can share your perspective through community feedback opportunities throughout the planning process.
Animal Wellness
Every animal has their N.I.C.H.E. at Woodland Park Zoo. To sustain and recover species, we are committed to providing for their Nutrition, Interaction, Choice, Health and Environment needs now and into the future. Our care extends beyond individuals to support generations and populations.
Conservation
The zoo protects, restores and sustains forests and other key habitats, and helps to halt and reverse species loss. We devote advocacy and scientific research to make change that lasts, rooted in our physical campus as a place to model our commitment and bring together people to participate in the cause.
Extraordinary Experiences
The zoo creates unforgettable, up-close experiences with wildlife that build life-long empathy for animals. We motivate environmental values and conservation connections that can power lasting change. Here people have fun and share precious time with nature, friends and loved ones so they can make their day and a difference.
Accessibility and Inclusion
The zoo will broaden access and belonging by welcoming all to experience nature through our commitment to reducing barriers, using universal design and developing more inclusive and responsive experiences and facilities.
Sustainability
Our 92-acre urban forest will be a living model of an ecosystem in balance. We will use green infrastructure systems and practices that reduce and regenerate resources, creating resilience to and reducing impact on climate change.
Future Phases
Look for updates on this page as the planning process continues. We look forward to continuing our work with the community and our partners with the City of Seattle and Seattle Parks and Recreation to complete the planning phase of this process by the end of 2026.