El Paso Zoo To Launch Breeding Center For Endangered Species

The El Paso Zoo is about to get started on a new exhibit but don't get too excited. It will serve a very important purpose but nobody, other than zoo staff, will ever see it.

The reason for the new exhibit is pretty cool though, it's going to be a breeding center for endangered species'.

The El Paso Zoo says it will cost $65K but the city of El Paso puts their estimate at $700,000. (That's a pretty wide gap if you ask me.) The cash is coming from a 2012 Quality of Life bond project.

The new "exhibit" will be housed in the Chihuahuan desert section of the zoo in an existing structure built for small animals that El Paso communications officer Rick Isaias said wasn't really being visited by the public very much.

Will The New Exhibit Be Open To The Public?

While visitors likely will not be able to tour the completed breeding center, zoo officials say the project will expand the zoo's ability to participate in breeding, research and recovery programs aimed at preventing species decline and extinction.

"The new breeding center will provide a dedicated, controlled environment specifically designed to support the care, breeding, and long-term survival of smaller endangered species native to the Chihuahuan Desert," Isaias said. - chron

Even though it doesn't look like we'll get to check it out or see the animals chosen for the project, this is still pretty cool as these endangered critters could vanish completely if we don't do something to help them.

What Animals Will Be Selected For The Program?

That question hasn't been fully answered yet, the zoo ... for now ... just says the project will be for "smaller endangered species native to the Chihuahuan Desert" that are deemed most "in need of support".

The El Paso Zoo already has a few endangered species on display, including my favorite animal, wolves. The zoo has a few of the most endangered wolves ... Mexican Gray Wolves ... in an open enclosure where you can admire them.

These guys used to roam all over the place but hunters and ranchers nearly wiped them out completely. Fortunately, their numbers are growing.

Here Are Texas' Most Endangered Animals

Of the hundreds of animals that are currently facing potential extinction here in Texas, there are some with an EXTREMELY low population. In some cases, it is uncertain if the species will make it.