The El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens has an important education partnership with Franklin Mountains State Park that goes back almost 20 years when we helped to organize the Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition and the first Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta. Now that we have a $16Million Chihuahuan Desert Exhibit we want to continue to focus on…
Month: May 2022
Meet Ginger the mini pig
Ginger the pig is an ambassador for the conservation of wild pigs around the world New to the Zoo’s Wild Encounters program daily at 1:30pm in the Wildlife Amphitheater, is a little pig who goes by the name Ginger. She is the Zoo’s only mini pig or potbellied pig and a favorite of Area 6…
Kid’s love bugs!
Bug Fest 2022 was another big hit this year as thousands of zoo visitors came out and were amazed as over 40 species of insects and other invertebrates were on exhibit in the Zoo’s Event Pavilion. Thanks to over three dozen volunteers and the Education and Area 6 keeper team, the Zoo went all out…
How many cotton-top tamarins are left in the wild?
How many cotton-top tamarins are left in the wild? To answer that question Proyecto Tití has embarked on a population census in Colombia. We conducted the first census in 2004 and then again in 2012, so now it’s been 10 years and we want to see the status of the population. Is it increasing? Is…
Zoo Walking Tour Update
Want to learn more about the Zoo and our conservation programs? Next time you visit or before or after your visit be sure to check out our walking tour. The online tour was designed for smart phones and is updated often. Recently we improved the tour by increasing the size of the text to make…
Botanical Garden Spotlight: Lantana
As you approach the African Lion Exhibit, on the left watch for the blooming lantanas along the walkway towards the Passport Cafe and the Franklin Canal. Lantana is a favorite of butterflies and hummingbirds and if you are looking for a hardy small shrub with lots of beautiful flowers this desert beauty should be on…
Zoo Spotlight – Chilean rose-haired tarantula
Chilean rose-haired tarantula Bug Fest at the Zoo May 21-22 Grammostola gala Status: Common (protected) Length: 4.5 to 5 inches Habitat: scrublands in Chile At the Zoo: Behind the scenes. Shown during special public presentations in the Wildlife Amphitheater, the upcoming Bug Fest at the Zoo event May 21-22 and to Zoo Adventure Program school…
Celebrate M.O.M at the Zoo
The Zoo is a great place to take mom any day of the year, but this Mother’s Day the Zoo will also celebrate M.O.M – Missing Orangutan Mother’s Day. With the help of volunteers our event coordinator Sarah Borrego will host an information table at the Orangutan Exhibit on Sunday, May 8 from 10am to…
Meet your neighbors: The Curve-billed Thrasher
Its been a while since I have seen one of the Curve-billed Thrashers living in my neighborhood, but the other day I am sure I heard one proclaim its presence with its loud whit-wheet whistle call. If you pay attention to the birds near your home you probably have heard one since the call is…
Conservation Education 