Dallas Zoo Brings Conservation and Community Spirit to Dallas Founder Lions Club

We wrapped up our Lions year with a packed room, two new members, and aone-of-a-kind visit from the Dallas Zoo complete with animal ambassadors. From the moment the penguin and owl made their entrance, it was clear this meeting would be something special.

Bill Braem, Vice President of Leadership and Institutional Giving, gave us a look at the Zoo’s newest conservation efforts and community programs. It was inspiring to see how much work is being done
right here in Dallas to protect wildlife, expand education, and improve access for families.

Some of the exciting updates shared:

The new Wild Earth Discovery Center will quadruple capacity for the Zoo’s preschool and school-group programming, with its own entrance, auditorium, and outdoor classrooms. Construction is also underway on a four-story parking garage near the DART station that will improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety for guests and Southern Gateway Park visitors.

Other highlights included expanded walkways upgraded security, and the return of the Zoo’s popular “Dollar Days” on July 17 and August 5. These affordable community days offer $1 admission and discounted concessions, opening the Zoo up to more families across Dallas. We also heard about “I Spy Butterflies,” a new exhibit that brings pollinator conservation to life, and a massive STEM mural celebrating 12 inspiring women working in science fields.

It’s all part of the Zoo’s broader “TakeAction Dallas 2025” campaign, which encourages locals to get involved in habitat restoration through simple actions like picking up litter or planting
native species.

Environmental conservation is one of the eight global causes of Lions International. We were proud to spotlight that commitment through this program and see how aligned our missions really are. The Zoo’s visit was part of our ongoing speaker series, which brings in some of the most respected voices in Dallas. This year alone, we’ve welcomed leaders like DISD Superintendent Dr. Stephanie
Elizalde, Dallas College El Centro President Dr. Bradford Williams, DISD Trustee Joe Carreon, County Treasurer Pauline Medrano, and Judge Audrey Moorehead.

We’ve also heard from civic leaders including former Council Member Omar Narvaez, former Mayor Pro Tem Adam Medrano, historian Sol Villasana, journalist Rena Pederson, and nonprofit and business leaders from groups like Downtown Dallas Inc. and the Japan-America Society of DFW. These programs help connect our service workto the broader issues shaping our city. If you’re in Dallas and looking for a way to get involved, make a difference, and meet great people along the way,
we’d love to have you.

Learn more at: www.dallasfounderlionsclub.com