San Antonio Zoo San Antonio Zoo News 2024

Visited the zoo today, here’s a quick update:

  • Demolition has begun at the old elephant/camel enclosure. The building is still there for now, but the pool and barrier was being removed.
  • The juvenile okapi born last year was out exploring his enclosure today. First time I’ve seen him out
  • There’s a blue ground-dove (Claravis pretiosa) on display in the Hixon Bird House.
  • The crested screamers were tending to an egg in their enclosure.
  • A couple exhibits in Amphibia have been redone. No change in species.
 
The former elephant barn has officially been demolished - making way for a new expanded African Savannah which will begin construction soon.

Elephants will of course be returning in the not so distant future.

San Antonio Zoo on Instagram: "The former elephant barn is now gone, making room for an expanded African savanna complete with an overnight lodge! Elephants will return to San Antonio Zoo at a new location in the future. "
Are the plans for the new African Savannah already online? The San Antonio Zoo is going through a big renovation phase in the last few years. I think it is one of west Texas Hidden gems...

What about the extension area? How is that going to be filled up in the future?
 
Here is the plan for the African savannah. It’ll combine the elephant and giraffe exhibit into one larger savannah. It’ll also expand the white rhino exhibit to include a second yard. The giraffes will be receiving a small barn as part of this expansion (not that the climate calls for using it much). Lastly the addra gazelle will move into this exhibit due to the development of the gorilla exhibit.

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The extension area should be around 8-10 acres across the highway next to the existing nature pre-k and parking garage. The current plan as I understand it is to finish the new event center, gorilla exhibit, and African Savannah in 2024 & 2025. Once this is done the focus should move to elephants which the zoo expects to keep in this expansion area. The hardest part though will be finding a way to connect these two sides of the zoo.
 
Piece of February 2024 News Not Mentioned:

On February 2nd, it was reported that the zoo transferred (0.2) rock hyraxes Frenchie and Rizzo to the Henry Vilas Zoo in Wisconsin.

Pair of rock hyraxes make new home at Henry Vilas Zoo

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On February 15th, the zoo announced they acquired a (0.0.1) striped skunk named Lavender which is now an animal ambassador.

Meet Lavender! Lavender is a striped skunk and is newest member of our Animal Ambassador Team! You may see these guys running around in your neighborhood or backyard! They are, of course, known for the foul-smelling fluid they can spray when threatened. Skunks are able to do this at just 8 days old! | San Antonio Zoo | San Antonio Zoo · Original audio
 
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