A clutch of Horned Lizards, more commonly known as “horny toads,” hatched at Tyler’s Caldwell Zoo this week. That’s according to a news release from the zoo.
“We are very excited about the hatchlings,” said Yvonne Stainback, curator of birds and reptiles. “We have been involved in this important program for two years now. Having our breeding pairs contribute to the wild population of Texas Horned Lizards can make a real, positive difference in the long-term survival of the species.”
Caldwell joined Texas Parks and Wildlife and a couple of other zoos in a managed breeding program to support the endangered species. After months of care by the reptile and amphibian experts at the zoo, hatchlings began to crawl from their eggs Aug. 9.
The Caldwell Zoo Texas Horned Lizard Breeding Center team plans to carefully monitor the hatchlings, providing each one with ideal conditions and special food. Over the next few weeks, the babies will grow. Once they’re strong enough, the team will release them into a protected area.
“This really is an iconic species of Texas,” said William Garvin, reptile expert at the Caldwell Zoo. “They used to be really prevalent, but due to habitat loss, their numbers in the wild greatly decreased. They needed help and yes, we are very happy to be a part in bringing these little guys back.”
The Texas Horned Lizard was adopted as the state reptile June 18, 1993.
