Three Texas Kangaroo Rats have been born at the Fort Worth Zoo. This is believed to be the first time this species has bred under human care. From their social media:
"Another conservation success! This little guy is one of three Texas kangaroo rats born here at the Zoo and more importantly -- to our knowledge -- the first ever born under human care! This particular species is a candidate to be federally listed as endangered as wild populations continue to decline. Since 2018, the Zoo has been working closely with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to establish an assurance colony and breed these animals under professional care. Very little is known about the reproductive biology of this species and we are documenting breeding behavior, reproductive cycles, and gestation periods. Ultimately our goal is to establish a reintroduction program for the species and now we're one step closer. Major kudos to the Zoo’s ectotherm team and our partners!"
"Another conservation success! This little guy is one of three Texas kangaroo rats born here at the Zoo and more importantly -- to our knowledge -- the first ever born under human care! This particular species is a candidate to be federally listed as endangered as wild populations continue to decline. Since 2018, the Zoo has been working closely with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to establish an assurance colony and breed these animals under professional care. Very little is known about the reproductive biology of this species and we are documenting breeding behavior, reproductive cycles, and gestation periods. Ultimately our goal is to establish a reintroduction program for the species and now we're one step closer. Major kudos to the Zoo’s ectotherm team and our partners!"
