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For the past two decades, visitors of the Amarillo Zoo have been thrilled to meet one of the more iconic residents in zoo history – Sarai, a female African lion who quickly became a community favorite upon arriving in Amarillo in 2006. In addition to her stature as queen of the jungle, Sarai endeared herself to zoo staff and visitors with her endearing personality and her ability to consume mass amounts of steak. In 2012 at the age of six, Sarai demolished the 72-ounce Big Texan steak challenge, devouring the steak in 80 seconds. She bested the previous record holder, a travelling circus tiger who visited Amarillo in 1999. Sarai died of natural causes Thursday at the age of 20. Sarai was one of the oldest African lions under human care in the United States. With a typical life expectancy of 10-12 years without human interference, and 15-18 years in zoological settings, Sarai had a tough spirit and strong will, reaching her advanced age with the help of zoo staff and a devoted veterinarian. Sarai called Amarillo home along with her siblings. Solomon, a male lion, passed away in June 2025. Her sister, Sheba, remains at the zoo.  “Sarai and her siblings joined us in 2006 after spending their early days in a wildlife sanctuary,” said City of Amarillo Director of Parks and Recreation Michael Kashuba. “Our lions are older than most of our lifeguards. Sarai’s longevity was a testament to the love and care she received daily from zoo staff.” Zoo visitors are encouraged to share stories and photos of Sarai on social media to honor her memory and the indelible mark she left on the zoo community. For more information contact City of Amarillo Media Relations Manager Dave Henry at 806-378-5219 or by email at david.henry@amarillo.gov.

Amarillo City Council has approved a resolution authorizing the acceptance of donations for the construction and placement of a Ten Commandments monument on the grounds of City Hall. The resolution recognizes that the Ten Commandments, as found in the Bible, as an important component of the legal and historical foundation of the laws and legal system of the United States, the State of Texas, and the City of Amarillo. The council further noted that courts across the United States and in various states have frequently cited the Ten Commandments in published judicial decisions. Additionally, numerous public buildings and public spaces throughout the nation display monuments or depictions of the Ten Commandments, including the grounds of the Texas State Capitol. The city council expressed that, in order for citizens to understand and appreciate the foundational principles of the American system of government, it is important to recognize the Ten Commandments as one of many sources influencing the development of modern law. The placement of a monument on city hall grounds is intended to acknowledge this historical and legal influence. The resolution authorizes: Council also noted that the corridors and grounds of city hall currently contain, and may in the future contain, other monuments and items of historical significance. The city has retained First Liberty Institute, which will represent the city for free, if there are any legal challenges to the installation of the monument.  First Liberty Institute has successfully litigated two United States Supreme Court cases governing the law regarding such monuments.  

Amarillo City Council approved Tuesday a lease agreement for the Amarillo Zoo between the city and the non-profit entity Amarillo Zoo & Sanctuary, Inc. (AZS). The agreement establishes a long-term partnership to enhance and modernize the zoo while preserving it as a city-owned public asset. The city retains ownership of the zoo, the land, and the animals. AZS will manage daily operations with an emphasis on conservation, education and community programming. The initial lease term is 20 years, ending December 30, 2046. The agreement provides for three optional five-year renewal periods, contingent upon the lessee’s compliance with the lease and attainment of accreditation from either the Association of Zoos and Aquariums or the Zoological Association of America. The lease payment is set at $1 per year. This nominal fee is intended to facilitate the operation of a robust public zoo that serves the community, rather than to generate revenue for the city. The city may provide up to $900,000 in grant funding over six fiscal years. This financial support is structured to assist during the initial transition period, with amounts decreasing as the nonprofit develops independent revenue sources. The proposed schedule is: Fiscal Year 1: $150,000. Fiscal Year 2: $250,000. Fiscal Year 3: $200,00. Fiscal Year 4: $150,000. Fiscal Year 5: $100,000. Fiscal Year 6: $50,000. This schedule does not create a multi-year financial obligation. Every dollar is subject to the annual appropriation process, and council retains full discretion each budget cycle. The zoo is required to function as a community education facility. Existing programs, such as school field trips, camps, and outreach initiatives, are protected and may only be altered with council approval. Animal care standards are also specified. The city retains ownership of all animals currently at the zoo, and council maintains authority regarding the animals. A veterinarian

Amarillo City Council has scheduled a pre-budget planning workshop for the 2026/2027 budget for Tuesday (March 10). The workshop begins at 9 a.m. in council chambers, Room 3400 at City Hall, 623 S. Johnson. No vote will be taken during the workshop. The workshop is open to the public and will be livestreamed at: www.youtube.com/user/CityofAmarillo To see the agenda item, go to: amarillotx.portal.civicclerk.com/event/3040/files/agenda/7183 For more information, contact City of Amarillo Media Relations Manager Dave Henry at (806) 378-5219 or by email at David.Henry@amarillo.gov.

Bid Process Open for Structural Assessment and Aquatic Market Viability Study Following the direction of the City of Amarillo (COA) Parks and Recreation Board and the Amarillo City Council, Southwest Pool and Southeast Pool will temporarily close pending the completion of an engineering and feasibility study to address safety concerns, increasing maintenance costs and the future viability of the pools. Both pools will be closed this spring/summer. In January, city council voted unanimously (5-0) to temporarily close the pools so a comprehensive engineering study can be conducted on each pool. The council decision followed an 8-1  recommendation by the COA Parks and Recreation Board this past November to permanently close both pools due to age, associated maintenance costs, leaks and safety concerns. Southeast Pool, located at 435 S. Osage St., was built in 1965 – making the facility almost 60 years old. Southwest Pool, located at 4800 Bell St., was built in 1974 – making the facility more than 50 years old. Adhering to council direction, the COA Parks and Recreation Department conducted an internal study of both pools. The data was presented to council in December and detailed the need for significant repairs that could eclipse $1 million. The presentation to council (Agenda  Item 6.4) can be viewed at: amarillotx.new.swagit.com/videos/363032 Council then voted unanimously in January for an engineering and feasibility study to determine the future of both pools. The vote and discussion (Agenda Item 5.4) can be viewed at: amarillotx.new.swagit.com/videos/373298 The bid process for the Structural Assessment and Aquatic Market Viability Study for the pools is open to the public through April 2 via the city’s online bidding platform – Bonfire – at:  www.amarillo.gov/purchasing/