The Friends organization developed a membership base, launched education programs and gathered support from donors for new projects and improvements.

The zoo became involved in Species Survival Plans, most notably Asian elephants, maned wolves and cheetahs.

The growth of tourism in the region contributed to increases in attendance and offered visitors to the community another attraction when visiting the Ozarks.

On October 4, 2013, the zoo euthanized one of its four elephants, the matriarch, a 41-year-old female known as Connie (AKA Pinky), who had been suffering from kidney disease and had lost nearly 1,000 pounds.

It is thought that Patience, (not understanding the reason for the euthanasia,) may have blamed the head zookeeper for Connie's death.