Abilene Zoo Abilene Zoo News

WhistlingKite24 said:
A Secretary Bird has hatched. This is the first chick to hatch this year at an AZA facility as apparently Abilene are the only zoo actively breeding this year with offspring now produced three years in a row from their pair Pam and Jagger - reported on their FB page.
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While any successful secretarybird hatching is wonderful news! It is interesting to me that they have chosen to suggest that they are the only facility actively breeding the species, when that is not the case... They are just the first facility to successfully produce a chick this year...
 
Piece of May 2025 News Not Mentioned:

On May 2nd, it was announced that the zoo transferred (1.1) secretary birds to Phoenix Zoo in Arizona.

160K views · 9.5K reactions | New Secretarybirds on Habitat | We have another exciting announcement! Earlier this week, we welcomed two secretarybirds into their new home on Predator Passage! The brother sister... | By Phoenix Zoo | Facebook

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On May 30th, the zoo announced they acquired 2 Virginia opossums named Tater and Tot from Big Country Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Texas which will become ambassador animals in the future.

Abilene Zoo
 
Piece of June 2025 News Not Mentioned:

On June 4th, it was announced that the zoo transferred (2.0) fossas named Koto and Mahaka (formerly named Rico Jr. and Tuve) to Lake Superior Zoo in Minnesota.

Lake Superior Zoo

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Smaggledagle said:
On February 25th, the zoo announced they started constructing a revamped Caribbean Cove area which will include an enlarging of the exhibits/creating mixed-species displays, a new educational zone near the Turtle Cove play area, new restrooms, as well as adding in new species such as boat-billed heron, southern tamandua, and toco toucan.
Abilene Zoo
Caribbean Cove Renovation - Abilene Zoo
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On July 3rd, it was reported that the zoo will complete construction on Caribbean Cove in mid-August, with the facility starting work on Phase 1 of their masterplan in spring 2026.

https://www.bigcountryhomepage.com/news/new-exhibit-new-faces-big-summer-ahead-at-the-abilene-zoo/
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On July 12th, the zoo announced they acquired a (0.1) sloth bear named Vicki from the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington D.C., which is now on display in the former African lion exhibit (temporarily until spring 2026 when the facility begins their masterplan construction).

Abilene Zoo

Sometime in July, it was announced that 2 more secretary birds, as well as 2+? eastern massasauga rattlesnakes and 2+? prairie massasauga rattlesnakes hatched in 2024 (first rattlesnake hatchlings in Abilene's history). It was also announced that the zoo acquired a (1.0) Linne's two-toed sloth, and acquired 1+? hamerkop and 1+? zebra finch in 2024. Finally, it was announced that the zoo completed the wetland expansion project, as well as built new indoor housing for their whooping crane and American flamingos in 2024.

Zoo | Abilene, TX
 
 
8 Mangshan Pit-vipers have hatched.

49 reactions · 11 shares | The eight Mangshan pit vipers have successfully hatched at Abilene Zoo, this is a groundbreaking conservation success. Fewer than 500 are estimated to remain in the wild, restricted to a small range in China’s Mangshan Mountains. Their entire natural range is about the same size as the city limits of Abilene! Breeding this species in human care is extremely challenging, and fewer than 10 zoos in the USA have ever achieved it. After carefully replicating their natural conditions, our animal care team is proud to report that all eight hatchlings are healthy. This achievement not only highlights the dedication of our reptile team but also contributes to global conservation efforts for a species listed among the top 5 most endangered snakes in the world. For now, the young vipers will remain behind the scenes under close monitoring. Book an up-close tour at abilenezoo.org to see them and learn more about them with our expert reptile team! | Abilene Zoo
 
PECOS the Puma has passed away at the age of nearly 19.
Abilene Zoo on Instagram: "It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Pecos, one of Abilene Zoo's beloved cougars. At nearly 19 years old, Pecos lived well beyond the average cougar lifespan of 8-13 years old in the wild and up to 20 years in human care. Since 2023, him and his sister faced age-related challenges, including arthritis and mobility issues. In July of this year, both were placed in hospice care as their mobility declined and additional health concerns emerged. Last week, bloodwork revealed Pecos had advanced kidney failure—a common issue in elderly cats—and our vet team made the decision to humanely euthanize. Pecos was born in the fall of 2006 and arrived at Abilene Zoo in January 2007 with his two sisters, Acala and Nocona. Pecos was bonded to Nocona, so they remained together and spent their lives here in Abilene. For nearly two decades, Pecos was a cherished member of the Abilene Zoo and the Abilene community. He will be deeply missed, but his memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved him. We continue to monitor Nocona closely to ensure her comfort and quality of life. For now, she is adjusting well, and we are grateful for the time we still have with her. As for Pecos, his graceful presence to the memories he created tell the story of a life well-lived and well-loved here at Abilene Zoo."
 
Haliaeetus said:
PECOS the Puma has passed away at the age of nearly 19.
Abilene Zoo on Instagram: "It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Pecos, one of Abilene Zoo's beloved cougars. At nearly 19 years old, Pecos lived well beyond the average cougar lifespan of 8-13 years old in the wild and up to 20 years in human care. Since 2023, him and his sister faced age-related challenges, including arthritis and mobility issues. In July of this year, both were placed in hospice care as their mobility declined and additional health concerns emerged. Last week, bloodwork revealed Pecos had advanced kidney failure—a common issue in elderly cats—and our vet team made the decision to humanely euthanize. Pecos was born in the fall of 2006 and arrived at Abilene Zoo in January 2007 with his two sisters, Acala and Nocona. Pecos was bonded to Nocona, so they remained together and spent their lives here in Abilene. For nearly two decades, Pecos was a cherished member of the Abilene Zoo and the Abilene community. He will be deeply missed, but his memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved him. We continue to monitor Nocona closely to ensure her comfort and quality of life. For now, she is adjusting well, and we are grateful for the time we still have with her. As for Pecos, his graceful presence to the memories he created tell the story of a life well-lived and well-loved here at Abilene Zoo."
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His sister NOCONA has passed away too.
Abilene Zoo on Instagram: "It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Nocona, one of Abilene Zoo’s beloved cougars. At nearly 19 years old, Nocona lived an extraordinary life which is well beyond the average cougar lifespan of 8–13 years in the wild and up to 20 years in human care. Alongside her brother Pecos, who passed away just last month, she faced age-related challenges in her later years, including arthritis and mobility issues. Both siblings were placed in hospice care in July 2024 as their mobility declined and additional health concerns emerged. In her final days, Nocona’s care team continued to ensure her comfort. Surrounded by the animal care professionals who had loved her for nearly two decades, she passed peacefully this weekend. Born in the fall of 2006, Nocona arrived at Abilene Zoo in January 2007 with her siblings Pecos and Acala. She and Pecos shared a remarkable bond, spending their entire lives together here in Abilene. Nocona was known for her calm confidence and the quiet strength she carried throughout her years. For almost 19 years, she was a cherished member of the Abilene Zoo family and the Abilene community. While we are heartbroken to say goodbye, we take comfort in knowing that Nocona and Pecos are together again. Their legacy of love, resilience, and grace will live on in the hearts of all who knew them."
 
SPIKE the American White Crane has passed away at the very respectable age of 41.
Abilene Zoo on Instagram: "Abilene Zoo is saddened to share the passing of the beloved whooping crane, Spike. Spike was an extraordinary resident and at an age of 41 years old, he was understood to be the oldest whooping crane on record. Spike came to Abilene Zoo in October 2018 due to the shutdown of the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center that saw 72 whooping cranes in need of homes. He arrived with his late breeding pair Shelly and together they successfully hatched several whooping crane chicks over the years. It is believed that Spike's offspring are still thriving in the wild. Although the staff and community are heartbroken at the loss of Spike, Abilene Zoo's involvement with the whooping crane SAFE program represents a greater effort to protect and increase the population of the species. This means that Spike will not only be remembered as a wonderful member at the zoo, but as a crucial part of the restoration of all whooping cranes."
 
Other Summer/Autumn 2025 News Not Mentioned:
On September 6th, the zoo announced they helped rehabilitate and release a (0.1f) bald eagle back into the wild.

5.6K views · 101 reactions | Earlier this year, Abilene Zoo's bird rehab department received a young bald eagle. Though the bird was healthy, it lacked certain natural instincts. As the eagle outgrew the zoo's facilities, Abilene Zoo connected with John from Last Chance Forever in San Antonio. Hear the story of how two great bird rehab programs partnered to rescue an incredible North American bird. | Abilene Zoo

On July 20th, the zoo announced they acquired 2 brown pelicans, which are on display in the Wetlands area.

Abilene Zoo

On August 21st, it was reported that the zoo transferred their lesser flamingos to Cameron Park Zoo in Texas and Fort Worth Zoo in Texas, respectively.

Lesser flamingos leave Abilene Zoo for better breeding chances

King of Komodo Dragons said:
a Secretary Bird has hatched, its the 2nd chick of the year.

Abilene Zoo
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On September 22nd, the zoo announced they sexed the bird as (1m.0).

12K views · 215 reactions | Drumroll please… It’s a boy! Wiffle the secretary bird has kept us all guessing as he’s grown, but now the secret’s out. From fluffy chick to curious youngster, it’s been such a joy to share his journey with you—and we can’t wait to watch this little guy spread his wings as he continues to grow! | Abilene Zoo

On September 24th, the zoo announced they renovated the South American bushmaster exhibit inside the Reptile House.

10K views · 181 reactions | Talk about a glow-up! Our amazing zookeepers rolled up their sleeves to give the South American bushmaster habitat a fresh new look. From added greenery to updated natural features, every detail helps create a space that’s enriching, natural, and perfect for this incredible snake. Big thanks to our team for all the behind-the-scenes work that keeps our animals thriving! | Abilene Zoo

On October 9th, the zoo announced they moved their American bison from near the zebras to next to the giant anteaters.

Abilene Zoo

On October 13th, the zoo announced they acquired a (0.1f) red kangaroo named Rooby, which is an ambassador animal.

Abilene Zoo

On October 15th, the zoo announced their (1m.0) black howler monkey named Dante passed away at age 17 due to an infection caused by an abscess.

Abilene Zoo

On October 17th, the zoo announced they acquired 2 central bearded dragons named Lizzo and Ziggy from private owners, which are ambassador animals.

Also on October 17th, the zoo announced they acquired a (0.1f) bald eagle (later named Aquila) from an unspecified rehab center in Texas after it was deemed unreleaseable, which is also an ambassador animal.

Abilene Zoo
Abilene Zoo

On October 29th, it was reported that the zoo acquired a retired Lockheed C-130E military plane from Dyess Air Force Base in Texas to be used as part of the new African lion exhibit.

https://www.oaoa.com/people/abilene...aft-for-new-lion-habitat-in-a-bold-adventure/
C-130 Hercules set to become star attraction at Abilene Zoo exhibit | myfoxzone.com

On November 20th, the zoo announced that a group of leopard tortoises hatched, with 2 of them becoming animal ambassadors in the future.

Abilene Zoo

On November 25th, it was announced that the zoo transferred (2m.0) capybaras named Luigi and Yoshi to Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium in Missouri.

53K views · 804 reactions | Get ready for double the capy cuteness! We can’t wait for you to visit the Zoo’s new capybara residents, Yoshi and Luigi. This duo came to us from the Abilene Zoo, and today the 3-year-old brothers were introduced to the Tropics habitat. Yoshi is the bigger of the two, but Luigi tends to be bolder and braver. Luigi is usually the first one to try something, and then Yoshi will follow suit! As they become acclimated, Yoshi and Luigi will also have access to a behind-the-scenes habitat and may not always be visible in the first few weeks. Introductions have begun slowly with the saki monkeys and prehensile-tailed porcupine, and in the coming weeks, the capybaras will meet crested screamer Louie. The largest rodent in the world, the capybara species is native to Central and South America and can weigh over 145 pounds. Capybaras in the wild reside near riverbanks, ponds, and marshy areas, and their webbed feet give them adept swimming abilities. The next time you visit the Zoo, you will find the capybaras in the Tropics section. Stop by the Tropics each day at 12:30 pm for an informational chat with the animal care specialists. Stay tuned for more clips of the boys’ first swim at the KCZoo! | Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium
 
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