Saving an Iconic Texas Bird from Extinction

Attwater's Prairie Chickens Released

Share 
Photo credit, Houston Zoo

Houston Life category interest

The Houston Zoo is helping one of the most endangered birds in North America make a comeback. A century ago, there were about one million Attwater’s prairie chickens in the wild, today it is estimated there are nearly 180 birds left. For 27 years the Zoo has been helping the native bird bounce back from the brink of extinction through a breeding program for the species. During the 2021 breeding season, the Zoo has successfully raised and released 68 birds at the Attwater’s Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge in Eagle Lake and on the Goliad Prairie in Victoria, TX.

“This is a Texas endemic subspecies of the greater prairie chicken, so this is a uniquely Texas bird,” said Chris Holmes, curator of birds and the head of Houston Zoo’s Attwater’s program. “Currently the survival of this species depends on these releases in partnership with the U.S. Fish andamp; Wildlife Service.”

The Houston Zoo is one of four zoos to breed and release these birds in partnership with U.S. Fish andamp; Wildlife Service. The Zoo’s breeding program is located on the grounds of NASA’s Johnson Space Center, on a plot of land that resembles their natural habitat of the coastal prairie. The eggs are incubated, and the chicks are raised at the Zoo until they are large enough to pass a medical evaluation. Once they have been medically cleared, they are released back into the wild to join existing populations.

By visiting the Houston Zoo, guests are supporting wildlife-saving efforts to help the Attwater’s prairie chicken from going extinct. A portion of each Zoo admission and membership goes toward supporting the Zoo’s work to breed the birds and reintroduce them into the Texas wild.

March 28, 2024
Share 

More from Houston Life

Katy resident opens Fajita Pete’s in Seven Lakes
Houston Life

Katy resident opens Fajita Pete’s in Seven Lakes

Fajita Pete’s – Seven Lakes opened at 9615 Spring Green Blvd in Katy, TX. 

German Doner Kebab is coming to Sugar Land Town Square
Houston Life

German Doner Kebab is coming to Sugar Land Town Square

The first unit will open in Sugar Land, Texas, this summer.

Goode Co. Fish Camp Opens in The Woodlands May 3, 2022
Houston Life

Goode Co. Fish Camp Opens in The Woodlands May 3, 2022

Goode Co.Fish Camp is located at 8865 Six Pines Drive 

Spring into May at Art of Wining and Dining
Houston Life

Spring into May at Art of Wining and Dining

The event is a perfect way to enjoy a Sunday with a taste of brunch and bubbly and celebrate the start of summer. 

TRIBUTE at The Houstonian Hotel Club & Spa Announces New Spring Menu
Houston Life

TRIBUTE at The Houstonian Hotel Club & Spa Announces New Spring Menu

This new seasonal menu offers authentic flavors from Texas, Louisiana, and Mexico; taking its cues from history while honoring local purveyors.

State Fare Kitchen & Bar Now Open in Hughes Landing in The Woodlands
Houston Life

State Fare Kitchen & Bar Now Open in Hughes Landing in The Woodlands

State Fare Kitchen & Bar is a full-service restaurant specializing in upbeat southern cuisine

Sign up for Houston Caller Newsletters

Keep in touch with everything on Houston Caller. Sign up for our newsletter!
 


Stats
Elapsed time: 0.4374 seconds
Memory useage: 2.76MB
V2.geronimo