FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: November 6, 2008
Contact: Debbie Rios-Vanskike
Phone: 734-7184, ext. 1043
Email: dvanskike@sazoo-aq.org

SIGNIFICANT BIRTHS AT THE SAN ANTONIO ZOO

San Antonio, TX – The San Antonio Zoo is proud to announce several recent significant births. Members of the media are invited to see these animals up-close on Thursday, November 6 at 10 a.m. Please contact Debbie Rios-Vanskike for more information.

The black-footed cat is a Species Survival Plan (SSP) species. The SSP is a science-based program that manages captive animal reproductive efforts. In March, threem kittens were born at the Zoo – the first San Antonio Zoo births of this species since 1991. Currently, 36 black-footed cats are in 15 Zoos in North America; the San Antonio Zoo is one of six institutions that have successfully breed these amazing cats. The black-foot cats are currently on exhibit.

The tomistoma, also known as the Malayan gharial or false gavial, is a fresh-water crocodilian with a very thin and elongated snout. The San Antonio Zoo is the fourth Zoo in the U.S. to reproduce this species. The wild population is endangered with only an estimated 3,000 adult animals left in the wild. The adult tomistomas are currently on exhibit. The baby tomistomas will soon be in their new exhibit.

The Komodo dragon is known as the largest living lizard that can grow to be 8 ft long and weigh as much as 200 pounds. Komodo dragons are under strict protection by the Indonesian government and are listed as an endangered species. The Zoo’s first successful hatching of four eggs took place in August of 2007. The second successful hatching of one baby Komodo dragon occured September 30, 2008. The adult Komodos are currently on exhibit.

The San Antonio Zoo is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing the highest standard of care for the animal and plant collections while offering a recreational and educational experience for our many visitors.  The Zoo is accredited by the Associations of Zoos and Aquariums and is open 365 days a year.  Gates open at 9 am and close at 5 pm and the grounds remain open until 6 pm.  Admission for children ages 3 – 11 is $7.  Admission for visitors ages 12 and older is $9.  Seniors
over the age of 62 pay a discounted rate of $7 and children two and younger are free.

Photos courtesy of the San Antonio Zoo.