Houston Zoo Houston Zoo News 2024

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A reminder of that concept art from a Continuing Education presentation another member attended:

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Construction photographs from November 2023:

Flex-Erect on Instagram: "Flex-Erect is thrilled to showcase our latest achievements at the Houston Zoo's Birds of the World exhibit! We are proud to have contributed to this exhibit by erecting all of the structural steel at four locations. Flex-Erect is overjoyed to play a role in bringing birds from across the globe to our local Houston community. #FlexErect #StructuralErection #HoustonZoo #BirdsOfTheWorld #steel #construction General Contractor: @tellepsen_1909 Architect: @lakeflato Structural Engineer: Structural Design Studio Fabricator: Hollywood Steel, Inc."
 
 
King of Komodo Dragons said:
1.0 Asian Elephant, Baylor will be moving to the Denver Zoo, Denver Zoo also recently announced that they are sending 1.0 Asian Elephant Chuck to Houston in return.

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Baylor has arrived in Denver. Chuck should soon arrive, if not already has arrived in Houston. Baylor has already been reintroduced to Duncan, who moved there last year.

Denver Zoo on Instagram: "Please help us give a warm welcome to our newest resident, Baylor the Asian elephant! Fourteen-year-old Baylor arrived from Houston Zoo at the recommendation of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Asian Elephant Species Survival Plan (SSP). This move supports our ongoing efforts to help protect Endangered Asian elephants and supports the natural history of this species. Thanks to our facilities and expertise, we’re able to provide a great home for male elephants, ensuring they live happily and healthily when it’s time for them to leave their maternal herds. Integrating a new elephant into an established herd is no small task, but we’re happy to share that Baylor is settling in well! Our skilled elephant care team is carefully managing his transition, prioritizing his comfort and well-being. Baylor's arrival was also made even more special by a sweet reunion with his younger brother, 10-year-old Duncan, who joined us last year. Duncan has been an incredible addition to our bachelor herd, and we’re excited to see the brotherly support he offers Baylor during this new chapter. According to our friends in Houston, Baylor is a gentle and thoughtful elephant who loves interacting with his care team and enjoys snacking on browse or hay. Our Animal Care Specialists will continue to gradually introduce Baylor to the other members of our bachelor herd including 54-year-old Groucho, 20-year-old Bodhi, 16-year-old Billy and 14-year-old Jake. As he acclimates to his new home, Baylor may have access to behind-the-scenes indoor spaces, or outdoor Toyota Elephant Passage habitats. Join us in welcoming Baylor to Denver Zoo and be sure to say hi to him during your next visit! Head to the link in our bio to get your tickets today. "
 
Nile Hippo Expert said:
Baylor has arrived in Denver. Chuck should soon arrive, if not already has arrived in Houston. Baylor has already been reintroduced to Duncan, who moved there last year.

Denver Zoo on Instagram: "Please help us give a warm welcome to our newest resident, Baylor the Asian elephant! Fourteen-year-old Baylor arrived from Houston Zoo at the recommendation of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Asian Elephant Species Survival Plan (SSP). This move supports our ongoing efforts to help protect Endangered Asian elephants and supports the natural history of this species. Thanks to our facilities and expertise, we’re able to provide a great home for male elephants, ensuring they live happily and healthily when it’s time for them to leave their maternal herds. Integrating a new elephant into an established herd is no small task, but we’re happy to share that Baylor is settling in well! Our skilled elephant care team is carefully managing his transition, prioritizing his comfort and well-being. Baylor's arrival was also made even more special by a sweet reunion with his younger brother, 10-year-old Duncan, who joined us last year. Duncan has been an incredible addition to our bachelor herd, and we’re excited to see the brotherly support he offers Baylor during this new chapter. According to our friends in Houston, Baylor is a gentle and thoughtful elephant who loves interacting with his care team and enjoys snacking on browse or hay. Our Animal Care Specialists will continue to gradually introduce Baylor to the other members of our bachelor herd including 54-year-old Groucho, 20-year-old Bodhi, 16-year-old Billy and 14-year-old Jake. As he acclimates to his new home, Baylor may have access to behind-the-scenes indoor spaces, or outdoor Toyota Elephant Passage habitats. Join us in welcoming Baylor to Denver Zoo and be sure to say hi to him during your next visit! Head to the link in our bio to get your tickets today. "
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I assume it will not be long before bull Chuck will travel or it be confirmed he has arrived at his intended destination. It will certainly be a defining moment for the Asiatic elephant breeding program.

A further plus will be that over time it will signal a fundemental change in Asiatic elephant management in US/Canadian zoos over time and trigger more moves and transfers with the planning and interests of ex situ conservation breeding of the species at heart.
 
Including this one on the way, how many living calves is that for Thai?
And what's the total headcount at Houston? 12? Just because the exhibit on paper says it can support 15 (exact number unsure by me), I believe, doesn't mean it really should. I think Houston has enough elephants for a while.
 
Trowaman said:
Including this one on the way, how many living calves is that for Thai?
And what's the total headcount at Houston? 12? Just because the exhibit on paper says it can support 15 (exact number unsure by me), I believe, doesn't mean it really should. I think Houston has enough elephants for a while.
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Counting the calf that is on the way Thai only has six calves surviving out of the 20 he has sired, Houston's herd currently numbers 11 but will grow by two more members with the arrival of Chuck from the Denver Zoo and Shanti's calf due at the end of this year.
 
Trowaman said:
And what's the total headcount at Houston? 12? Just because the exhibit on paper says it can support 15 (exact number unsure by me), I believe, doesn't mean it really should. I think Houston has enough elephants for a while.
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They have a capacity of around sixteen (including calves). I would say twelve or so is a decent number for the current complex though; and that is a number they aim to stick around.
 
Mr.Ivory said:
Counting the calf that is on the way Thai only has six calves surviving out of the 20 he has sired, Houston's herd currently numbers 11 but will grow by two more members with the arrival of Chuck from the Denver Zoo and Shanti's calf due at the end of this year.
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What happened to all the remaining 14 calves that did not survive?
 
Kifaru Bwana said:
What happened to all the remaining 14 calves that did not survive?
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He actually has fifteen deceased calves.

Four were stillborn, two were twins (and neither survived), two died in infancy, six of EEHV, and one was euthanised after a fall.
 
Mr.Ivory said:
Counting the calf that is on the way Thai only has six calves surviving out of the 20 he has sired, Houston's herd currently numbers 11 but will grow by two more members with the arrival of Chuck from the Denver Zoo and Shanti's calf due at the end of this year.
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incorrect. Thailand has 7 living calves.

1.) Tupelo
2.) Baylor
3.) Duncan
4.) Joy
5.) Tilly
6.) Nelson
7.) Teddy

The latest calf Thailand sired with Shanti will be the 8th living offspring he has. Also Houston’s herd will be down by 1 with Tucker going to White Oak. They should have 12 by the end of this year IF all goes well and IF Tucker goes to white oak this year. I don’t know when he’s transferring to white oak.
 
John Marchwick said:
incorrect. Thailand has 7 living calves.

1.) Tupelo
2.) Baylor
3.) Duncan
4.) Joy
5.) Tilly
6.) Nelson
7.) Teddy

The latest calf Thailand sired with Shanti will be the 8th living offspring he has. Also Houston’s herd will be down by 1 with Tucker going to White Oak. They should have 12 by the end of this year IF all goes well and IF Tucker goes to white oak this year. I don’t know when he’s transferring to white oak.
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wouldn’t that be 13 with Chuck coming to replace Tucker; so that’s a wash?
 
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