Oh baby, the No. 7 nationally ranked Fort Worth Zoo is experiencing a baby boom. Over the past year or so, the zoo celebrated the birth of everything from giraffes to endangered elephants and flamingos.
Here’s a look at the littlest, new additions.
Lesser Flamingos 🦩
In February, 17 lesser flamingo chicks hatched at the zoo. Born a fluffy white or gray, the chicks will get the characteristic pink plumage by age 3 or 4. The Fort Worth Zoo boasts the most successful lesser flamingo breeding program in the world, with the hatching of 382 chicks (so far) since the program began in 2002.
- Habitat: Museum of Living Art (MOLA) and next door to the southern black rhino in the African Savanna.
- On display: The chicks are being housed behind-the-scenes where they are receiving around-the-clock feedings and care from keepers and their parents.
Asian Elephants 🐘
Last week, the zoo welcomed its fifth male Asian elephant calf, standing 37 inches tall and weighing 270 lbs. Named Travis, the baby boy was born to first-time mom, 9.5-year-old Belle and 30-year-old Romeo.
- Habitat: Elephant Springs
- On display: He is spending time bonding in behind-the-scenes areas of the elephant habitat.
Brazos is the half-brother to the newest bundle of joy and celebrated his first birthday in October. He was born to parents Bluebonnet and Romeo and now stands 5-ft-tall and weighs nearly 1,500 lbs.
- Habitat: Elephant Springs
- On display: Yes
Western Lowland Gorilla 🦍
The zoo welcomed the birth of its second-ever western lowland gorilla in November. Bruno was born to parents Gracie and Elmo, weighing 4-5 lbs and is Gus’s little brother. He is now learning how to stand with his mom’s help.
- Habitat: World of Primates
- On display: Yes
Giraffes 🦒
Two male giraffe calves, named Sherlock and Watson, were born in October and November last year. Sherlock measured 5 ft 10 inches tall and Watson stood 6 ft 3 inches tall at birth. The boys join Pele, who was born a few months earlier in June, to mom Acacia.
- Habitat: African Savanna
- On display: Yes
The zoo is currently open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Grab your tickets.
