& Research

at San Antonio Zoo Releases Texas Horned Lizards into the WILD

The Center for Conservation & Research (CCR) at San Antonio Zoo released 50 zoo-hatched Texas Horned Lizards (horny toads) into the wild. Lead veterinarian Dr. Rob Coke performed a health inspection before the young lizards were introduced to their new home. While all the horny toads released hatched last summer, a clutch of them were born on June 18, 2022: Texas Horned Lizard Day. The release into the wild is a tremendous step forward for San Antonio Zoo’s Texas Horned Lizard Reintroduction Project, which will bolster the survival of their species here in South Texas.

Saving the Japanese Giant Salamander from 6,500 Miles Away

The Japanese Giant Salamander (JGS) is one of the largest amphibian species on earth and has an ancient lineage, with museum specimens exceeding five feet in total length. Only found in a few mountain streams in Japan, JGS are classified as “near-threatened,” with populations declining and many challenges in its native habitat. Many dams built along Japan’s mountain streams and rivers have restricted JGSs from freely roaming, causing subpopulations to be isolated above and below the dam areas. This bottlenecking has reduced the natural chances the JGS population has to survive through time.

The Center for Conservation & Research at San Antonio Zoo (CCR) founded the JGS project in 2016. Dr. Dante Fenolio, Vice President of CCR at San Antonio Zoo, has been researching in Japan since 2006 alongside biologists from the region and Bucknell University in Pennsylvania. The goal is to reconnect JGS populations isolated by these dams. With the strategic installation of salamander ladders, the project will allow the isolated populations to reconnect despite the separation of the dam.

San Antonio Zoo celebrates two baby booms in 2022

San Antonio Zoo celebrated Mother’s Day weekend with dozens of new mothers and babies joining the herd. And, as kids headed off to school in August, San Antonio Zoo welcomed dozens more in a back-to-school baby boom! Our baby boom is a testament to the world-class animal care our team provides. The zoo celebrates all new births; however, some are even more meaningful to securing a future for wildlife due to their conservation status in the wild. San Antonio Zoo has welcomed crested couas, scaly-breasted lorikeets, curl-crested aracaris, fairy bluebirds, Eastern Pilbarra spiny-tailed skinks, Yunnan mountain rat snakes, West African crowned cranes (vulnerable), Malaysian giant pond turtles (critically endangered), lemur leaf frogs (critically endangered), pinstripe damba cichlids (critically endangered), San Marcos redtail splitfins (critically endangered), green mantella tadpoles (endangered), and the popular psychedelic rock geckos (endangered).

San Antonio Zoo Featured in Conservation Documentary “Deep in the Heart”

Coming off the heels of American Humane’s documentary “Escape From Extinction,” which highlights San Antonio Zoo’s role in bringing whooping cranes back from the brink, the zoo has announced its inclusion in a feature-length documentary, “Deep in the Heart.” Deep in the Heart is a visually stunning celebration of Texas’ diverse landscapes and remarkable wildlife found nowhere else. Narrated by Matthew McConaughey, the film aims to conserve our remaining wild places, show the connectivity of water and wildlife, and recognize Texas’ conservation importance on a continental scale. Deep in the Heart features endangered subterranean species at the Center for Conservation & Research at San Antonio Zoo (CCR)

The Texas blind salamander and Mexican blindcat were featured in the film and are endangered and at risk of extinction. CCR, at San Antonio Zoo, in partnership with Edwards Aquifer Authority, has a series of labs specially designed to keep subterranean wildlife safe and healthy, allowing the film crew to capture the rare footage for the documentary.

The zoo hosted an outdoor screening of the documentary for donors and supporters of CCR for its premiere.

San Antonio’s First-Ever Corpse Flower Bloom Watch

In early 2022, the corpse flower was gifted to the Center for Conservation & Research at San Antonio Zoo by The Huntington in California. The corpse flower is most famously known for the powerful rotting flesh odor it releases – hence its name, corpse flower. The endangered plant is native to the rainforests of Sumatra in Indonesia and can take more than ten years to bloom for the first time. This was the first known instance of a corpse flower blooming in San Antonio.

San Antonio Zoo moved the corpse flower for public viewing near the ‘Back From The Brink’ Whooping Crane habitat and invited guests to view this plant bloom during a “bloom watch” until its peak blossom window was up. While it ultimately did not bloom, it provided an educational opportunity for the guests and viewers who followed the process of the endangered plant. The corpse flower remains alive and can bloom again in the coming decade.

“These plants are very delicate and typically give us signs when they are ready to blossom,” said Dr. Dante Fenolio, VP of Conservation & Research at San Antonio Zoo. “Once we see those indicators, we have around 24 hours until its incredible and rare reveal!”

The corpse flower can grow up to 8 feet tall and generate its own heat, allowing the stench to travel even further. The powerful scent is produced by more than 30 chemicals and attracts carrion beetles and flesh flies who pollinate the flower. Fewer than 1,000 corpse flowers are estimated to remain in the wild, with a sharp decline in the last century.

San Antonio Zoo Sends More Than 18k Endangered Puerto Rican Crested Toad Tadpoles to Puerto Rico, Making Groundbreaking Record

The Herpetology team at San Antonio Zoo sent 18,064 tadpoles to be released into the wild in Los Conventos, Guayanilla, Puerto Rico. This year’s release surpassed last year’s record of 5,000 tadpoles, making 2022 a record year for the endangered species. Once believed to be extinct, Puerto Rican Crested Toads have only one remaining population, fluctuating between 1,000 and 3,000 adult toads in the Guanica National Forest of southern Puerto Rico. The Puerto Rican Crested Toad Conservancy (PRCTC) works to increase that population by conducting island-wide education outreach, protection, and restoration of existing habitats, new ponds to support multiple self-sustaining metapopulations, and now reintroducing tadpoles back into their native Puerto Rican environment with the help of San Antonio Zoo.

Swipe Right… or Left, Valentine’s Day with San Antonio Zoo

We aren’t lion, we have something for everyone! We think you’ll toad’ally love it!

The third annual Cry Me a Cockroach Fundraiser allowed guests to name a cockroach, rodent, or veggie after an ex and have it fed to a San Antonio Zoo animal. This fundraiser is a perfect way to rid that negative energy and contribute to securing a future for wildlife. The cockroaches used and humanely pre-frozen rodents are already part of the animals’ typical diets. These cockroaches and rats are the unsung heroes of the food chain. Proceeds from the Cry Me a Cockroach Fundraiser will help San Antonio Zoo continue to secure a future for wildlife.

The singles event – Meet Your Next Ex was a fun night of specialty drinks, wild speed dating, and amazing animal interactions. This event is the perfect girls or guys Night out where you can dance the night away at Club Wild Thingz, where the music is always roaring.

Those hippo-ly-in-love had the opportunity to wine and dine with San Antonio Zoo’s resident hippos, Timothy and Uma, at the Wild at Heart Dining Experience. Participants were able to choose from two brunch buffets on Sunday, February 13th or enjoy an elaborate dinner on Valentine’s Day. Each experience offered a VIP option to make your date extra special.

San Antonio Zoo Hosted 1st Annual Conservation Luncheon

Education 2 Conservation Celebration

Luncheon with Jeff Corwin

San Antonio Zoo announced the 2022 Conservation of the Year award at its 1st annual Education 2 Conservation Celebration Luncheon. The Wuest family, whose legacy includes the discovery and operations of Natural Bridge Caverns, received the award for their extraordinary commitment to conservation, particularly around subterranean species and their habitats.

Jeff Corwin was the Keynote Speaker during a seated lunch on the Rhino Deck, where guests enjoyed his tales of his wild journeys from around the world.

Festival De Animales

San Antonio Zoo’s Fiesta celebración of the animals was a WILD time with visits from Fiesta Royalty, a culinary tour of the tastes of Latin America, a parade of new specialty cocktails, and musical performances throughout the zoo. Guests enjoyed exceptional food and beverages curated by the new executive chef, Craig Mears, with options like ice-cold margaritas, micheladas, smoked pork tostadas, and more. This event highlighted animals that are native to South and Central America, as well as the zoo’s conservation efforts in those areas. Festival de Animales was included with Standard Admission and free for Members.

ZOOFEST - New Music Festival

After years of planning, a new San Antonio music festival gathered country, rock, and Latin music fans together for an incredible lineup of artists, including the headliner, the Josh Abbott Band, with AB Quintanilla & Kumbia All Starz, Finding Friday, and more. ZOOFEST presented by Bud Light, benefited San Antonio Zooand took place in the city’s center: the Historic Sunken Garden Theater. It was a wild day of music, food, drinks, multiple VIP experiences, and admission to San Antonio Zoo! Check it out!

PLANET EARTH: DEEP SEA ADVENTURES

From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the global debut of Planet Earth: Deep Sea Adventures was our summer attraction. This underwater journey provided the opportunity to learn about some of the most AMAZING creatures – including some never seen before. Planet Earth: Deep Sea Adventure took us to the bottom of the ocean to a concealed habitat absent of light.

Zoo Lights – Bigger, Brighter and Wilder Than Ever Before

Zoo Lights, powered by CPS Energy, Illuminated last year’s holiday season. The experience consisted of acres of dazzling lights, festive holiday snacks, drinks for adults and kids, and larger-than-life displays and photoops across miles of trails.

San Antonio Zoo Kicks Off Spooky Season with ZOO BOO!

Zoo guests enjoyed the annual ZOO BOO! presented by Valero Benefit for Children. This non-scary Halloween event was open daily from September 17 – October 31 with zoolightful activations such as music, costume parties, multiple realms of Halloween fun, daily FREE trick-or-treating hour, and exciting interactions for little ghouls, goblins, and of course, your boo! ZOO BOO!, presented by Valero Benefit for Children, was included with Standard Admission and was FREE for San Antonio Zoo Members.

26th Annual Zoo-La-La! A Taste of San Antonio

More than 50 of the area’s top restaurants contributed for a one-night-adult-only fundraiser last May. Zoo La-La! A Taste of San Antonio offered guests an all-inclusive evening of delicious food, beer, wine, and multiple entertainment stages. A VIP experience was also available with exclusive lounges, specialty cocktails, and early event entry. Zoo La-La! A Taste of San Antonio takes place on the zoo’s grounds for one incredibly unique adultsonly night that only San Antonio Zoo can deliver.

San Antonio Zoo Brings Annual Dream Night to Pediatric Patients in San Antonio

San Antonio Zoo brought Dream Night, a special evening full of memorable zoo animals and activities, to the Children’s Hospital of San Antonio. The virtual field trip gave children who are not currently able to visit the zoo a behind-the-scenes look with fun facts and laughs all along the way. The virtual field trip took families on a wild adventure through the zoo, showcasing the scaley, furry, and feathery residents of San Antonio Zoo. The cute and sometimes hilarious moments gave viewers an up-close look at the diets, enrichments, personalities, and animal care teams that care for these animals. Dream Night at San Antonio Zoo started in 2017 for children who could not be exposed to large crowds due to a weakened immune system or needing care that limits their ability to leave home.