Three lions have been transferred from Fort Worth Zoo: One male and two female lions are set to spend the next two years in Abilene while the Fort Worth Zoo builds its new living space to open in spring 2023, the release said. Jabulani, the male, and Abagebe and Saba will be on exhibit beginning Friday. They join 18-year-old male Botswana in a slightly renovated enclosure of their own, the zoo said. Giraffe calves born: It has been an eventful month for the zoo, as three giraffe calves were born within weeks of each other stretching from the end of October to the middle of November. The Abilene Zoo's lion population increases with Fort Worth trio arrival
The book Texas Zoos & Animal Parks (Ann Ruff, 1990) has 4 pages on Abilene Zoo and there were some interesting species there that are long gone from the collection. Elephants (most likely African), spotted hyenas, wildebeest, pronghorn, coyotes, California sea lions and polar bears were all present 30 years ago. Is there anyone on ZooChat that can recall that era?
I visited quite often as a small child (50 years ago) and then again when attending college in Abilene (mid-1980s). Prior to joining the AZA, many of the exhibits were barren and very small. The pair of sea lions lived in a horribly-small circular pool with only one small land perch. The polar bears suffered through many hot Texas summers in a barren grotto, and very few of the exhibits had any shade or vegetation. The wildebeest were mixed with zebra (and crowned cranes, I think) in a fenced in dirt yard. An adjacent yard housed American bison and the pronghorn, and the coyotes were in a fenced dog run behind the bison yard. There were also a row of round pits along the walkway that lead from the front gate to the giraffe yard (the bear grottos lined one side of the walkway), and those pits held native small mammals and reptiles. I specifically remember a badger in one pits, and bunch of western diamondback rattlesnakes in another. I think one also held prairie dogs. I most remember the giraffes' "Mile High Bridge" exhibit, which featured a pedestrian bridge that arched over the giraffe yard (which also included a pair of Abyssinian ground hornbill). You could buy bags of Frito corn chips at the front gate to feed the giraffe front the bridge - very exciting for a young child! I also remember one of the elephants (they had both African and Asian species over the years) getting stuck in the deep and narrow moat at the front of their rather small enclosure. The zoo staff tried making steps out of hay bales for the elephant to walk up, but the elephant just munched contently on the hay as it lay wedged in the moat. They ended up bringing in a city fire truck to fill the moat and float the elephant back into the enclosure's yard. Of course, that has all changed and zoo has really created a wonderful experience for their city. You can find a history of the zoo at http://abilenezoo.org/pdfs/ARCHIVE - HISTORY OF THE ABILENE ZOO.pdf
This just in from their Facebook: The Abilene Zoo is saddened to share news of the passing of its male lion, Botswana, on March 25th. The senior lion was humanely euthanized after a severe loss of mobility due to a suspected stroke in the overnight or early morning hours of the 25th. Botswana would have celebrated his 19th birthday June 23rd. "Losing an animal is never easy," said Zoo Veterinarian Dr. Stephanie Carle, "Knowing our staff did all that was possible to help Botswana live a long life and pass with dignity brings us peace." Zoo staff had been closely watching and managing Botswana’s health as he aged. A physical exam conducted last week revealed the senior lion’s kidney disease and dental concerns had progressed significantly. Botswana was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease approximately 3 years ago, and had developed high blood pressure and other conditions associated with it. Chronic kidney disease is one of the most common aging abnormalities of both exotic and domestic cats. "Animal care staff pour their hearts into caring for all of the animals daily, and it is like losing a family member when it is time to say goodbye. Our team has prepared for this day because we knew that Botswana was reaching the end of his life due to his advanced age," said General Curator and Animal Care Manager Denise Ibarra. "We truly mourn the loss of the animals we come to love, and Botswana will forever be a part of the Abilene Zoo." Botswana was born June 23, 2002, and outlived the average 16-year life expectancy of lions in Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited zoos by nearly 3 years. "The fact that Botswana lived a longer than average life span with kidney disease shows the great care that our team provides the animals,” stated Zoo Director Jesse Pottebaum. “We will miss Botswana's regal presence and trademark roar every morning at the zoo. It is the end of an era." Botswana arrived at the Abilene Zoo in 2003 from the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado. He enjoyed shank bones and enrichment items doused in perfume. His favorite training activity was getting up on the scale to check his weight. Botswana bonded with a female lion named Saba, following the AZA Species Survival Plan (SSP) guidelines. The iconic pair had their first and only litter in 2010; five rambunctious cubs who stole the hearts of West Texans. Botswana was an exceptional dad, letting the cubs jump and play all over him while he napped. Botswana's cubs have since started prides in various parts of the world, including Disney's Animal Kingdom. The zoo's Africa zone still features three lions (on temporary loan from the Fort Worth Zoo); a male lion named Jabulani and two females, Abagebe and Saba.
I found this video, and wow are things different now... Also, the zoo just opened their new Madagascar exhibit, which I hope to visit soon.
Striped hyena arrive (on two year loan): 2 Fort Worth Zoo hyenas on temporary exhibit at Abilene Zoo The male hyena Felix and the female Farrah, both 11, will remain at the Abilene facility for about two years until the Fort Worth Zoo project is completed in spring 2023, according to an Abilene Zoo news release.
"Hyenas, which are part of the feline animal family and not canine, have not been on exhibit at the Abilene Zoo since 2009, officials said."
They are, though? They are in the Feliformia suborder, and so are indeed more closely related to felines than canines.
Unfortunately, prairie chickens and ferret have died. Prairie chickens have been phased out but ferrets may be returning eventually.
A new Master Plan is in the works. Unlike most zoos that engage zoo design firms for the work, Abilene Zoo has brought back the local Texas firm that designed its latest two exhibits Contract to craft new Zoo plan goes before Abilene council Thursday
At risk animals to receive Covid vaccine: Abilene Zoo animals receive COVID vaccine | myfoxzone.com Of the 850 animals the Abilene Zoo cares for on a daily basis, 48 animals in its collection have been designated vulnerable to COVID-19. Animals vulnerable to COVID-19 are big cats such as lions and jaguars, giraffes; primates such as howler, lemurs and colobus monkeys; and mustelids such as otters and ferrets.
A Steenbok calf was born over the weekend at the Abilene Zoo. The female is currently being raised by keepers. News from their social media.
Very exciting news for the blue duiker SSP! There was only one surviving female born in the population last year, so hopefully all goes well for this little one!
The lesser flamingos have begun to lay eggs. Source: Instagram of Abilene Zoo (02/03/2022) Login • Instagram
