Congo Falls at the San Antonio Zoo now houses seven western lowland gorillas in two troops. The two‑acre habitat includes a 70‑foot tower, rainforest and enrichment spaces.

BEA data show Texas' outdoor recreation economy generated $59.4B in 2024, led by boating, RVing and tourism. The totals underline parks, marinas and campgrounds as economic drivers.

Bright-blue Glaucus atlanticus sea slugs have washed ashore near Corpus Christi. Researchers warn their sting can be intense and advise photo‑not‑touch.

A Northside Reddit post showed a fox in a tree and prompted neighbors to ask whether it was sick. Texas Parks & Wildlife says it’s a grey fox and offers safety tips.

Bob Hall Pier will reopen on Feb. 24, 2026, at Padre Balli Park. The rebuilt pier is free for 90 days before modest fees and annual passes return.

Kendall County commissioners moved to buy about 310 acres at Guadalupe River Ranch for roughly $11.25M using Proposition A funds, and approved nearby conservation easements.

Hays County is allocating $17 million to build a Hillside Campus and an elevated “Warbler’s Nest” at Sentinel Peak Preserve, with reservation-only access and most acreage kept as habitat. The work could open the preserve in some form in 2027.

A two‑acre, $9.7M nature playscape at Brackenridge Park cleared approval and is scheduled to break ground April 1, 2026 amid debate over tree work.

Three female gorillas from Zoo Atlanta have arrived to take up residence in the new Congo Falls habitat, which opens Dec. 13. The arrival marks a major conservation milestone for the zoo.

Big Bend posted photos showing long entrance lines and warned that closed backcountry roads and staff shortages could slow Thanksgiving visitors.

Texas Game Wardens highlight enforcement of shark‑fin bans and a 2023 rule requiring fins be denatured and disposed to curb an illegal market.

Homeowners near Friedrich Wilderness Park are finding lawns torn up by rooting feral pigs as San Antonio grows into hog habitat. Experts say trapping and coordinated neighborhood action are the most realistic response.

Zola, a 23-year-old western lowland gorilla beloved for his pool 'breakdancing' clips, died after a sudden health decline. A necropsy is underway and a planned troop move to San Antonio is paused.