Dallas Zoo Dallas Zoo News 2025

Western Lowland Gorilla ZOLA (1.0.0) has passed away
Dallas Zoo on Instagram: "We are devastated to share the news that Zola, our 23-year-old western lowland gorilla, passed away on Wednesday, November 5. Late last week, before preparations for the bachelor troop’s upcoming move began, Zola began showing symptoms of lethargy, reduced appetite, and signs of discomfort. He was monitored around the clock and received fluids, antibiotics, and other supportive treatments. Our teams also moved quickly through a full series of diagnostics, including imaging and lab work, to guide his care. On Wednesday, Zola underwent additional procedures in an effort to better understand and address his condition. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to begin breathing on his own afterward, despite the extraordinary efforts of our veterinary and animal care teams. With his comfort as our priority, we made the difficult decision to let him go peacefully. A full necropsy is underway, which may help us better understand what contributed to Zola’s decline. If you have been following the troop’s updates, you may have seen our news about the bachelor troop’s upcoming move to the San Antonio Zoo. The move is temporarily on hold for now as we process this heartbreaking loss. The other boys in the troop are being closely monitored and supported, and are holding together well. We will resume plans for their move when the time is right. Zola was a beloved member of our bachelor troop and was known for his playful personality and big heart. He loved showing off his breakdancing moves, spinning and splashing in water, a talent that made him a true internet star. Our zoologists will remember him for his love of music, especially Whitney Houston songs during enrichment sessions, and his silly bipedal runs that never failed to make them smile. Zola will be deeply missed by many. We ask you to keep our animal care staff in your thoughts as they navigate this difficult loss."
 
Just heard from a volunteer that the former Crocodile Cove area is planning to have some nocturnal animals such as bats.

There is now an Asian Box Turtle in the Philipine Sailfin Lizard exhibit.

The Coscoroba Swans are now sharing the Capybara exhibit.
 
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Zoofan15 said:
Male giraffe calf born September 24:

From socials:

Born September 24 to mom Katie and dad Tebogo, this little guy came into the world at 156 pounds and already standing 5’8” tall.

Stay tuned for updates on when you can spot this little guy exploring the Savanna!"
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The 2-month old calf was named "Onduli", meaning “giraffe” in the Oshiwambo language of northern Namibia and Angola.
Dallas Zoo on Instagram: "This tall baby finally has a name! Meet Onduli, meaning “giraffe” in the Oshiwambo language of northern Namibia and Angola. At just a few months old, this little giraffe is growing fast, exploring everything, and showing off those long legs! His name gives a nod to the region where our partners at the Giraffe Conservation Foundation are helping Angolan giraffes thrive. : Ashley B."
 
Other Late Summer / Autumn 2025 News Not Mentioned:
On October 27th, the zoo announced they bred and released 360 Texas horned lizards into the wild.

17K views · 631 reactions | That’s a wrap on our 2025 Texas horned lizard season! Our ectotherm team has wrapped up another successful breed-and-release season, releasing 360 baby Texas horned lizards into their native habitats! Since May, the team has cared for hundreds of these tiny, spiky Texans from hatch, tracking their growth and preparing them for life in the wild. These babies come from eggs laid by gravid females from the Rolling Plains Quail Research Foundation, where our team makes regular trips to tag and monitor the local horned lizard population. Some gravid females are temporarily brought back to the Zoo to lay their eggs, then returned to the exact spot they were found. The eggs are incubated and hatched to contribute to the release program. We’re proud to partner with Texas Parks and Wildlife, Rolling Plains Quail Research Foundation, and other zoo partners to restore horned lizard populations across the state and continue this important conservation work. | Dallas Zoo
King of Komodo Dragons said:
Megan a Western Lowland Gorilla gave birth on Friday. Both mom and baby are doing well and went on exhibit together for the first time this past weekend.

https://x.com/DallasZoo/status/1947771133698228425

edit: The facebook post states that the father is Marcus in case anyone was curious.
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On August 21st, the zoo announced the gorilla was sexed as (1m.0), and was later named Mbeke (named after the Director of Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education Center, Jackson Mbeke).

63K views · 3.6K reactions | It’s a BOY! Megan’s one-month-old little bundle has us completely smitten. The whole family troop joined in for a fun gender reveal party, complete with special icy blue treats. We just can’t get enough of this sweet little guy! Want to help gorillas like him thrive in the wild? Bring your old cell phones to the Dallas Zoo’s Membership Booth! Recycling your device reduces harmful coltan mining and supports gorilla conservation programs. Even a small drop-off can make a big difference for gorillas in the wild. Drop off your phones now through Sept. 1 and make an impact! | Dallas Zoo

On September 15th, the zoo announced that a (1m.0) common chimpanzee named Nalu passed away at age 30 due to renal failure.

Dallas Zoo

On November 12th, the zoo announced they acquired a southern giant pouched rat named Magawa, which is now an ambassador animal.

11K views · 280 reactions | Don’t be rat-tled – a pint-sized powerhouse has joined the Wild Encounters Stage! Meet Magawa, the pouched rat. Named for the tiny “pockets” in their cheeks, pouched rats are famous for their brains, curiosity, and adventurous spirit. They excel at problem-solving, have an extraordinary sense of smell, and even contribute to life-saving work detecting landmines and disease. Come see Magawa in action! | Dallas Zoo

On November 20th, it was announced that the zoo transferred a (0.1f) Linne's two-toed sloth named Alface to Shedd Aquarium in Illinois in September.

Shedd Aquarium

On November 21st, the zoo announced that a Linne's two-toed sloth was born on November 14th, which is now on exhibit.

99K views · 4.5K reactions | Say hello to our newest Linne’s two-toed sloth baby. Born to mom Tommi and dad Riley on November 14, this tiny cutie made its debut right on habitat — and a group of visiting school kids were there to cheer it on with a Happy Birthday song! Talk about a warm welcome. Baby and mom are doing well and spending lots of time cuddling and bonding. Stay tuned for more tiny sloth snuggles and slow-motion cuteness! | Dallas Zoo
 
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