10/13/2026
We LOVE our zoo! Sunset Zoo is a gem in our community, and we love being a part of the next phase of growth.
Sunset Zoo has always built a strong base of donors who want to give back to a place so special to them. They see the value it brings to all walks of life. Leadership, staff, and community continue to work hard to see our zoo thrive.
We can't wait to show the progress!
More than 100 community members joined the Sunset Zoo Trust on Thursday, October 8, to celebrate two exciting milestones: Coach Bill Snyder’s birthday and the New Day at Sunset campaign reaching 70% of its fundraising goal!
Coach Snyder and his wife, Sharon, serve as honorary chairs for this transformational next phase at Sunset Zoo.
The $8.25 million New Day at Sunset project will include:
- A new multi-species lemur habitat at the Zoo entrance
- Revitalized habitats and barns along America’s Trail for maned wolves, anteaters, endangered Chacoan peccaries, and Caribbean flamingos
- The return of bobcats to Sunset Zoo
- The addition of farm animal encounters at the new Sunset Barnyard
Anderson Knight Architects are designing the project, with McCownGordon Construction serving as general contractor.
“We are thrilled with the fundraising progress and believe this expansion will elevate Sunset Zoo to a new standard of excellence,” said Sunset Zoo Trust President Linda Wassberg.
Construction could begin as soon as 2027.
Learn more about New Day at Sunset and the Sunset Zoo Trust: https://www.sunsetzootrust.org
Major donors gathered for this photo after the event. Left to Right: Dennis Mullin, co-chairman of the Sunset Zoo Trust fundraising committee and board member of the Goldstein Foundation; Nancy Knopp, Sunset Zoo Trust fundraising committee co-chair; Linda Wassberg, president of Sunset Zoo Trust; Susan Coughenour Lundstrom (daughter of Dean and Verlla Coughenour); and Beth and Dan Bird.)
📸 We chase the light
