Texas a&M San Antonio Holds Zoo Ring Day for Students at San Antonio Zoo

Texas A&M University-San Antonio honored the accomplishments of its students once more during the University’s signature Zoo Ring Day on Nov. 9 at San Antonio Zoo, according to news.tamusa.edu.

The occasion, now in its fourth year, attracted scores of students set to receive their rings later this week.

The event drew dozens of students to the zoo’s Neotropica habitat beneath the Pantera Walk. The tradition highlights the partnership between the university and the zoo, reinforcing shared goals for student success and community engagement.

Before students receive their rings during an on-campus ceremony, each ring is placed inside a handcrafted wooden chest. Students at South San Antonio High School built the container through their Practicum of Construction Management course.

The chest was placed inside the jaguar enclosure where B’alam, the city’s beloved jaguar, watched over the items. Visitors watched as B’alam stepped onto the chest and brushed its surface, which attendees viewed as a blessing.

Texas A&M University-San Antonio President Salvador Hector Ochoa noted the unique nature of the ceremony. The University ring represents the hard work and perseverance of our students as they work towards graduation, Ochoa said, according to news.tamusa.edu. Having B’alam, the city’s beloved Jaguar, be part of this special moment makes the tradition uniquely ours and a lasting memory for our students and their families.

David Esquivel attended the event after receiving a university scholarship to help cover the cost of his ring. Esquivel serves as an active member of the Student Library Advisory Board Committee and Omega Delta Phi.

Reflecting on his impending graduation, Esquivel described the significance of the milestone. For students, it means chasing the goal of graduation, Esquivel said, as reported by news.tamusa.edu. It means looking back on the memories of the people who helped support them, a beautiful symbolic meaning.

San Antonio Zoo President and CEO Tim Morrow also emphasized the value of the ongoing collaboration. We’re proud to continue this special tradition with Texas A&M University-San Antonio, celebrating the hard work and achievements of these students, Morrow stated, according to news.tamusa.edu. Having B’alam play a role in this milestone creates a unique experience that reflects our shared commitment to education, community and inspiring future generations.

Once B’alam has finished observing the rings, they are transported to the Torre de Esperanza dome in preparation for the university’s ring ceremony.

The Spirit of the Jaguar will be sealed into each ring at sunrise.