We are thrilled to announce the first-ever successful hatching of a whooping crane chick at the Dallas Zoo! Hatched on June 10, this one-month-old little chick is thriving!
The egg came to us from a breeding pair at the International Crane Foundation and was placed with foster parents, Huckleberry and Juniper, who displayed immediate parental instincts. They are doing a great job raising and protecting their adorable, fluffy chick!
As part of our conservation efforts at the Whooping Crane Center of Texas, our goal is to release cranes, hatched right here in Dallas, to the species' natural habitats in the wild. With this little chick, we are one step closer to achieving that goal, as we plan to release the chick to the wild with the Louisiana population during the upcoming fall season! To ensure a successful release, our expert team of bird zoologists takes every precaution to minimize human interactions with the chick.
With decades of conservation efforts, whooping cranes, which were once on the brink of extinction, are now on the path to recovery, and we are proud to join the effort to save this iconic species from the threat of extinction. Stay tuned for more updates on this little one's journey!
We are heartbroken to share that our almost 7-year-old African elephant, Ajabu, passed away on Monday evening after a 12-day battle with the devastating viral infection known as elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV). This was his second fight with this insidious disease – he previously faced an EEHV infection in March 2021 and survived. For more information on Ajabu’s initial bout with EEHV: bit.ly/AjabuEEHVjourney
Despite the round-the-clock care and heroic efforts of his animal care and veterinary teams over the last 12 days, along with tremendous support from zoo teams across the country, Ajabu laid down in the barn on the evening of Monday, May 8 and simply could not fight any longer.
EEHV is carried naturally by African and Asian elephants and affects elephants living in the wild, as well as in human care. It is an all-too-often lethal disease that tends to be most severe in young elephants from one year of age into the animal’s teenage years. While it is most often diagnosed in Asian elephants, it has begun to show up more often in African elephants, the species we have here at the Dallas Zoo.
Ajabu’s active case initially showed up on Thursday, April 27, during the course of routine blood testing we conduct on our entire elephant herd. Ajabu’s sample revealed a slightly elevated EEHV viral load. Though he showed no physical signs or symptoms of EEHV, the team immediately began aggressive treatment to try to stem the progression of the virus.
Ajabu’s treatment over the next almost two weeks included administering antiviral and antibiotic medications, fluids to prevent dehydration, immune stimulants, anti-inflammatories, and transfusions of fortified whole blood, plasma, and stem cells.
We are only beginning to process the loss of this amazing ambassador for his species. He surprised us all with his entrance to the world following the rescue of elephants, including his mother, Mlilo, from Swaziland in 2016, and now we have lost him much too soon. Please lead with compassion and kindness, and hold the entire Dallas Zoo family close to your heart as we navigate through the difficult days ahead.
For more information about EEHV in general, Ajabu's recent EEHV case, and the Dallas Zoo's history with EEHV cases: www.DallasZoo.com/EEHV
BIG (CAT) NEWS: We are thrilled to announce that Sumatran tigers Sukacita ("Suki") and Kuasa are the proud parents of this adorable little cub, who we have named Sumini after the leader of a group of female rangers protecting the Sumatran tiger in the forests of Indonesia. Sumini was born on August 2 weighing just 866 grams. While she may be little, she is a BIG deal for both the Dallas Zoo, as our first tiger cub since 1948, and for her critically endangered species.
With only an estimated 400-600 Sumatran tigers remaining in the wild, each birth is a monumental win for ensuring the long-term survival of this species. Suki and Kuasa’s genes are under-represented within the AZA’s Sumatran Tiger Species Survival Plan — the group of experts responsible for maintaining the genetic diversity of the population in AZA-accredited zoos — making it even more important for Sumini to carry on these genetics for generations to come.
Unfortunately, Sumini’s journey into the world has not been an easy one so far. During her first few days of life, Suki and her cub were closely monitored by animal care staff, and it became apparent that Suki was not producing enough milk to sustain the cub. For this reason, our zoologists and veterinarians, in consultation with tiger care experts from across the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, made the critical decision to intervene and hand raise Sumini. While hand rearing is not ideal, we know this was the right move for both the cub and for Suki. Our zoologists, veterinarians, and nutrition staff are working around the clock and in constant contact with the SSP to monitor her development and ensure she is getting the best care possible.
We are incredibly thankful that Sumini is thriving under our care! She will remain behind the scenes for the time being, but we will keep you posted on her progress and what may be next for her in the coming weeks and months.
MASK UPDATE: Following the latest recommendations from the CDC, the Dallas Zoo will no longer require guests to wear masks while visiting, unless participating in animal encounters or behind-the-scenes experiences, including giraffe feeding, the goat contact yard, birds landing, and Backstage Safari. We encourage all guests, regardless of their vaccination status, to continue practicing social distancing measures in crowded spaces around the Zoo, like popular animal viewing areas and keeper chats. Thank you for helping us keep our staff, volunteers, and animals safe and healthy! 🧡 We look forward to seeing you soon at the Zoo.
Just look at this sweet face! 😍 This is Daisy's kid, Aster, but her sister still needs a name. We can't decide between Bluebonnet, Clover, or Fern, so we need your help! Vote for your favorite HERE: bit.ly/DZGoatVote.
While you're at it, go ahead and cast your vote in USA Today's 10Best Reader's Choice Awards! ICYMI, your Dallas Zoo is up for Best Zoo & Best Zoo Exhibit (Simmons Hippo Outpost). You can vote daily through May 24 HERE: bit.ly/DZ10Best
📸 Zoologist Meagan M.
MASK RESPONSE: On March 2, 2021, Texas Governor Abbott issued an executive order rescinding statewide face mask mandates and operating capacity restrictions. He also stated that businesses may continue to limit capacity or implement additional safety protocols at their discretion. After careful consideration, the Dallas Zoo has made the decision to maintain the successful safety protocols we have had in place since last May. So for the ongoing protection of our guests, staff, volunteers, and animals, the Dallas Zoo will still require that all guests ages 10 and up wear a mask throughout their visit. Additionally, all Dallas Zoo staff will still be required to wear masks.
We will also continue to require limited daily capacity timed entry tickets to be purchased online in advance of your visit and ask that everyone continue to maintain a social distance from others while at the Zoo. We are confident that these policies will help keep everyone safe right now, and many of our patrons have echoed that same feeling. Thank you all for your continued support of our mission of Engaging People & Saving Wildlife. See you for Spring Break! PLAN YOUR VISIT: bit.ly/2A8S4Za
IT'S GONNA BE A WILD NIGHT IN!:
ICYMI, Wild Night In is tonight at 6:30 pm! Watch right here on our Youtube for an inside look at the work we do here at the Dallas Zoo, plus appearances from your favorite animals and some BIG news (the Zoo said, cryptically 😏). Don't forget to RSVP to get access to our digital event guide. RSVP HERE: bit.ly/DZWildNight
IMPORTANT MASK POLICY UPDATE 😷: In response to Dallas County orders, we are now requiring guests 10 years and older to wear a face covering while at the Dallas Zoo. We strongly encourage children over the age of two and up to age 10 to wear face coverings during their visit to the Zoo as well, especially while indoors, including in restrooms. This change is effective Friday, June 26, 2020.
Based on the latest recommendations from city, county and state officials, we’re making this update to further minimize the spread of COVID-19 and to ensure the safety of our employees, our guests, and our animals.
Face coverings may be removed briefly while you are eating or drinking; if you're outdoors and need a short break from wearing the face covering; or if there are health reasons that prevent you from wearing a face covering. We take these health and safety measures very seriously, and this new policy will be enforced. If you choose not to comply, you may be asked to leave the Zoo. Thank you for helping us keep everyone safe and healthy!
Ambassador birds Dulce, Kruger, Tonkawa, and Ella are helping us show our pride with some fun chalk enrichment, drawn by their incredible keepers! 🌈
Enrichment comes in many forms and is all about mental and physical stimulation – and that includes visuals. Our animal care staff are constantly working to find new, creative forms of enrichment, which is just one of the many ways we provide the most amazing care for our animals every single day.
Happy Pride Month from all of us at the Dallas Zoo! ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜
WE’RE REOPENING ON MAY 29: We’re excited to share that we will reopen to the public on May 29, after being closed for 11 weeks! We’ve missed everyone and can’t wait to welcome you back. For the health and safety of our staff, guests, and animals, we have made significant changes to the ticketing and entry process, as well as our daily operations. Here’s a quick look at what to expect, but before you come see us, be sure to review all of our new policies at DallasZoo.com/Reopen.
🔸 All guests, including Dallas Zoo members, will now need to reserve their tickets and parking if needed on our website prior to visiting us. (Members still get FREE admission and parking but will need to reserve tickets in advance.)
🔸You will also be prompted to choose a specific entry time for your visit. These new ticketing policies are meant to limit person-to-person transactions as much as possible and help us manage guest capacity throughout the day.
🔸In accordance with City of Dallas guidelines, protective face coverings are required for all guests over the age of 2 to enter the restrooms and other indoor areas. We strongly encourage all guests over the age of 2 to wear face coverings while they enjoy our outdoor areas, as well, for the protection of other guests, our staff, and our animals.
🔸Please note that all of our indoor areas will be temporarily closed, except for bathrooms.
🔸We have a limited schedule for keeper chats and animal encounters, and our in-park food options are scaled back right now, so please visit DallasZoo.com/Reopen for the latest information.
MEMBERS: We’re thrilled to welcome you to the Zoo for exclusive Member Preview Days on May 26-28. Tickets for both Member Preview Days and General Admission will be available soon.
We are so grateful to everyone for the amazing support we’ve received while our gates were closed. We can't express how your generosity and word of support lifted our spirits – THANK YOU! We’re looking forward to seeing you at the Zoo again – SOON.
The official YouTube channel of the Dallas Zoo, the largest zoo in Texas. Dive into the world of animal encounters, conservation updates, behind-the-scenes footage, events at the Zoo, and more! Our animals are the stars of the show.