With spring break in the horizon, the El Paso Zoo & Botanical Gardens is gearing up to offer a wild experience for families and nature lovers. According to El Paso Zoo & Botanical Gardens, the zoo will switch up its hours of operation for the spring and summer seasons, welcoming visitors from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. For those eager to get out of the house and into the animal kingdom, take note of the extended availability as the zoo opens its doors daily during Spring Break.
The El Paso Zoo invites guests to come and meet its latest additions, showcasing a spectrum of species that range from the critically endangered to the marvelously migratory. Those strolling through the zoo can now encounter creatures like Lar Gibbons, Binturongs, and a Swainson’s Hawk, each introduced to the public with a story of its own. Given for making melodic calls that resonate through the grounds, visitors won't miss hearing the Lar Gibbons, while at night, Binturongs prowl, which smells like buttered popcorn, their marked territory.
As visitors witness the impressive agility of the apes and the nocturnal expeditions of bear-like cats, another exhibit that is sure to draw crowds is the recently born baby giraffe. The zoo has called upon the community to engage in a naming contest for the new arrival. With the options whittled down to Ato, Balozi, Hermanito, and Tesoro, folks interested in casting their vote can do so via the zoo's social media channels. "The winning name will be announced on Sunday, March 23," as detailed by the El Paso Zoo & Botanical Gardens.
Environmental conservation themes resonate within the zoo's walls as well, highlighted by the plight of Swainson’s Hawk, Refund. Visitors can learn about this raptor's incredible migrations stretching over thousands of miles, a fact made more poignant against the backdrop of their dwindling numbers. Due to exposure to pesticides, habitat loss, and human activity, the hawk's plight stands as a testament to the zoo's role in education and conservation efforts, open every day, is eager to share these stories.
