The San Antonio Zoo is joining wildlife refuges statewide in lobbying lawmakers to pass legislation stiffening penalties for people who break into animal enclosures.
Specifically, the San Antonio Zoo and tourism-industry group Texas Travel Alliance are calling on lawmakers to pass House Bill 1720 and its companion, Senate Bill 2969, both of which remain stuck in committee.
Filed by Rep. Barbarba Gervin-Hawkins, D-San Antonio, and Sen. Tan Parker, R-Flower Mound, both pieces of legislation would make entering a zoo enclosure — or blatant disregard for a zoo animal’s well-being by interrupting its eating or mating patterns — a state jail felony. That charge would be upgraded to a third-degree felony if the animal is injured during the foray into its exhibit.
San Antonio Zoo President and CEO Tim Morrow said the legislation is needed to combat a rise in break-ins at Texas zoo enclosures, which he partially blames on influencers chasing clout on social media.
“Currently, the penalties in place are not enough of a deterrent for trespassing and for habitat intrusions,” Morrow said in a statement. “We need these stronger penalties in place to help us better keep our animals, staff and guests safe.”
Although the San Antonio Zoo hasn’t had any animal exhibit break-ins, incidents at the Dallas and Houston Zoos have grabbed national headlines.
In 2023, a series of security breaches at the Dallas Zoo led to the death of a vulture and theft of two emperor tamarin monkeys. That same year, a 4-inch gap in a bird enclosure was discovered at the Houston Zoo. Although no animals escaped, zoo officials believed it to be the result of vandalism.
“We are working to ensure the success of these bills this legislative session, which will greatly help our members operate more safely and securely, ” Texas Travel Alliance President and CEO Erika Boyd said in a statement.
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This article appears in Apr 30 – May 13, 2025.
