Galapagos tortoise swap: El Paso's current male Elvis is moving to Phoenix to breed with their female. Phoenix's current male, Ralph, will be coming to serve as a companion to El Paso's other tortoise. The reason for the switch is that Elvis is the same subspecies as the female, and not Ralph. Adios, Elvis! El Paso Zoo’s Tortoise headed to Phoenix - El Paso Herald-Post
The article says that Ralph is 100 years old; in actuality, he is likely even older than that, since he was collected in the 1920's and was already a full-grown adult at the time. It's crazy to think that these animals are around for so long that they outlive their caretakers!
Brief interview with director Steve Marshall about the zoo’s masterplan: El Paso Zoo director talks about future plans for facilities
Later this month, Asian elephant Juno will undergo cancer treatment. El Paso Zoo’s Juno the Elephant will Receive Cancer Treatment - El Paso Herald-Post
According to the link below (courtesy of Jordan Foster Construction in September of 2016) the Chihuahuan Desert complex at El Paso Zoo will take up "approximately 20% of the zoo's total area" and "completion is projected for October 2018". There is a fascinating map at the bottom of the link with details on all of the animals that will be part of the new complex. Jordan Foster Construction | Building a new Chihuahuan Desert Exhibit at the El Paso Zoo | Press Releases
Thanks for this exciting link. Here is what the map lists as "animal collection summary." invertebrates Mexican gray wolf white-nosed coati jaguar mountain lion collared peccary peninsular pronghorn wild turkey Bolson tortoise ocelot chuckwalla burrowing owl greater roadrunner quail screech owl cottontail rabbit desert cottontail tortoise macaw thick billed parrot Harris' hawk
I wonder what the timeline is on this project? El Paso is 5 hours from my home in Tucson, certainly a doable overnight trip. New exhibits for jaguar and mountain lion and ocelot might be worth a trip. Unfortunately the map shows jaguar and mountain lion use the same exhibit, which means they will alternate. Will it be half a day each or every other day?
It will be a showcase of the local wildlife. Pretty damn happy they include 2 of its foremost threatened species which have been part of recovery efforts (Mexican wolves and peninsular pronghorns).
Ash, the Mexican gray wolf, has died one month after her sister Ivy. Zoo's Mexican Gray Wolf dies a month after sister's death
Several new arrivals coming soon, from a Przewalski’s wild horse foal to an addax calf. El Paso Zoo announces upcoming animal arrivals
In terms of expectant mothers. Also: at least 2 Peninsular pronghorn females and pair of roadrunners nesting.
More on the up-coming Chihuahuan Desert exhibit PGAV Destinations: design Chihuahuan Desert Exhibit at El Paso Zoo
Thanks for posting the link and I'm really excited about this upcoming project. I visited El Paso Zoo in 2010 right after their brand-new African section made its debut (plus their tortoise-shaped Reptile House) and I have a soft spot for this zoo. The Chihuahuan Desert complex will hopefully be an outstanding addition to a solid, mid-sized zoological facility.
It's a girl! Endangered Asian horse born at El Paso Zoo A Prezwaslski Horse was born at the El Paso Zoo! Her name is Misha and she is adorable!
A construction update on the Chihuahuan Desert complex. El Paso Zoo's Chihuahuan Desert exhibit taking shape