Rare Monitor Lizards on Exhibit in Herpetarium
We have two very special lizards new to the zoo! These are Gray’s monitors (Varanus olivaceus), also called Butaan dragons! They came to us from the Los Angeles Zoo. We are very happy to have them on display in a newly renovated exhibit inside the Herpetarium. Native to the Philippine Islands, Gray’s monitors are unique in terms of […]
Endangered Hornbills Back at the Zoo After 45 Years
It has been 45 years since the Zoo has last cared for rhinoceros hornbills. In 1971, the Zoo acquired 2 male rhino hornbills, but after a brief period at the Zoo, one was transferred to another zoo in 1972, and the other was transferred the following year. The Zoo has grown a great deal since […]
Rocket, Our New Baby Giraffe
This year’s Zoofari fundraising event, held on October 6th, offered many exciting auction items, including the opportunity to name the youngest member of the giraffe herd, a female giraffe born on August 9th. One lucky bidder by the name of Mary Muratore earned the honor of being able to choose a name for the calf. […]
Two New Additions Will Soon Enjoy Their New Habitat
Gladys Porter Zoo staff are ecstatic to announce the addition of two baby colobus monkeys to the collection. The first was born on October 3rd and the second on November 9th. In the wild, they are vulnerable to habitat destruction and have suffered extensively by hunting for bushmeat and skins, especially in highly populated areas. According to […]