Abilene Zoo Abilene Zoo News

1.0 Henkel's leaf tailed gecko hatched a few weeks ago.
 
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The zoo has opened new exhibits for 13 species of amphibians as well as a pair of whooping cranes:
Amphibians & Whooping Cranes Debut at Abilene Zoo!

ABILENE, Texas- The Abilene Zoo gears up for a busy fall season completing a series of new amphibian exhibits located in Caribbean Cove featuring thirteen different species from Alligator Newts to Vietnamese Mossy Frog. The Abilene Zoo also acquired a set of North America’s most endangered bird, Whooping Cranes, placed on exhibit inside the Wetlands of the Americas.
Custom-built and designed in-house by Abilene Zoo animal care and maintenance staff, the new amphibian exhibit focuses on species found not only in Central and South America but areas like Malaysia and Japan. Staff focused on creating authentic exhibits with live plants and realistic scenes.
“Amphibians are not only fun, but the exhibit creates meaningful connections between our guests and these tiny amphibians,” said Denise Ibarra, General Curator, “We want to inspire people to personally help preserve this amazing group of animals.”
Approximately 33 Whooping Cranes from the U.S. Geological Survey Patuxent Wildlife Research Center were flown from Maryland to Louisiana Oct.17th by the U.S. Coast Guard. The birds’ destination was the Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center in Louisiana where our staff picked up the cranes.
“While Whooping Cranes are still endangered, their overall population has grown significantly,” said Ibarra, “ We are fortunate to receive this non-breeding pair who highlight conservation efforts of a species that migrate through Texas yearly.”
After 50 years of successful support from the USGS for the conservation of Whooping Cranes, other institutions will take over their captive breeding effort and focus on reintroduction into their natural habitat. Approximately 75 Whooping Cranes are being relocated from the Patuxent facility to zoos and other breeding institutions through the end of the year 2019.
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Posted on their Facebook, Dec 5th:
Grieving the Loss of Estrella

ABILENE, TEXAS- It is with great sorrow the Abilene Zoo announces the passing of Estrella, its 4-year-old female jaguar. Estrella was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML), a rare form of cancer, in October of this year after routine blood work showed high white blood cell counts.

Estrella was admitted into veterinary hospice care immediately following her diagnosis while Abilene Zoo Veterinarian Dr. Stephanie Carle worked with human and veterinary leukemia experts across the United States to identify treatment options for Estrella. Unfortunately, Estrella’s condition did not improve with any of the treatment options available. “We are honored that the human and veterinary communities came together for a One Health approach to try to help this beautiful animal,” said Dr. Carle.

“We are devastated to lose such an amazing member of our family here at the Abilene Zoo,” said Abilene Zoo General Curator Denise Ibarra. “We hope that her life is remembered and the community will look for ways they can help save wildlife across the globe,” said Ibarra.

Estrella was born May 11, 2015, at the Fort Worth Zoo and brought to the Abilene Zoo as a young cub on February 23, 2016. Estrella was curious, smart, and could often be found ‘playing’ with children and visitors of all ages at her habitat’s large glass wall. She was extremely fond of the nooks and crannies found in her exhibit rock ledges and would enjoy long afternoon naps in the shade they provided. The loss of Estrella has left the staff with a deep sense of gratitude for the hard work they do every day to educate the public on the importance of conservation and saving wildlife.

Estrella was a participant in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Jaguar Species Survival Program (SSP) and was an ambassador for her species. Jaguars face a declining population due to deforestation and land loss in their natural habitats of North, Central, and South America. Their presence in accredited zoos provides a connection for visitors, and an opportunity to learn how they can make a difference in saving the jaguar and other animals from extinction.
 
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