Meet the adorable animals that joined Texas zoos this year

On January 1, 2025By Littum

Four fuzzy and downright adorable animals have made their debut at Texas zoos this year, bringing joy to visitors and strengthening conservation efforts.

From rare mammals to exotic reptiles, these little ones aren’t just cute – they help secure the future of endangered species.

Kirby: Asian elephant, Houston Zoo

On Nov. 15, Shanti, a 34-year-old Asian elephant at the Houston Zoo, gave birth to a 314-pound female calf named Kirby after 19 hours of labor. The healthy calf was born at the McNair Asian Elephant Habitat, where zookeepers and veterinary staff oversaw the delivery.

The Houston Zoo is celebrating the birth of a baby elephant

A 314-pound baby elephant was born at the Houston Zoo. Kirby will spend a few days bonding with his mother, Shanti, before they are ready to meet the public.

Akobi: Pygmy Hippopotamus, Houston Zoo

In November, a four-and-a-half-year-old pygmy hippopotamus named Akobi moved to the Houston Zoo from San Francisco in November. Akobi, meaning “first born” in Yoruba, arrived as part of a breeding recommendation from the AZA Species Survival Plan® (SSP) Program. Visitors can now see him next to the bongos as he settles into his new home.

Meet Akobi, a 4-year-old pygmy hippopotamus at the Houston Zoo

The Houston Zoo welcomed an adorable 4-year-old pygmy hippopotamus named Akobi.

Texas Horned Lizards, Caldwell Zoo, Dallas Zoo and San Antonio Zoo

Since August 2021, the Caldwell Zoo’s Texas Horned Lizard Conservation Center has successfully hatched hundreds of baby horned toads, including more than 70 this year alone, according to a recent Facebook post. Similarly, the Dallas Zoo recently announced its largest group of horned lizards hatching to date, adding 18 new babies to its population this year.

The San Antonio Zoo has also successfully hatched more than 70 lizards this year.

San Antonio Zoo Announces Hatching of 71 Texas Horned Lizards

The San Antonio Zoo welcomed 71 Texas horned lizards, which were born thanks to a conservation partnership with Zoo Miami.

Jasper & Ruby: Mandrill, Fort Worth Zoo

Born on September 13, Jasper weighed approximately 2 pounds – about the size of a pineapple – at birth. He is the first mandrill born at the zoo in over 30 years.

Jasper’s parents are Scarlett and JJ, and his name pays homage to the red gemstone, honoring both his mother and older sister, Ruby, while also including the “J” in tribute to his father, as noted by the Fort Worth Zoo on social media. Ruby was also born earlier this year.

Fort Worth Zoo welcomes second baby mandrill in 2024

After nearly three decades without a mandrill birth, a Texas zoo welcomed its second baby mandrill this year.