Dallas Zoo celebrates first-ever millionth visitor

The Dallas Zoo surprised its millionth visitor on Wednesday Sept. 23 with a big celebration. Parents Jonathan and MJ Martin and sons, Zachariah (4 years old) and Corwin (16 months) from Anna, Texas, were the special family that helped the zoo top the mark for first time in its 127-year history.

“We are so proud to have consistently reached monumental attendance milestones the past five years, but today’s millionth guest is the one we’ve been waiting for,” said Dallas Zoo President and CEO Greg Hudson. “Our community supports us and recognizes the changes we’ve made in recent years.”

Mayor Mike Rawlings agreed. “The Dallas Zoo has transformed into one of the best zoos in the country,” Rawlings said. “One million visitors from across the nation this year have seen this incredible facility, and how a successful public-private partnership can bring about a remarkable renaissance.”

Dallas Zoo staff cheered on the surprised guests this morning as zoo leadership greeted the family. The Martins were awarded with an exclusive prize package including tickets to Texas Rangers and Dallas Mavericks games, a tablet from AT&T, and a hotel getaway at the Hyatt Regency Dallas.