In a bid to restore the dwindling population of the Texas horned lizard—an emblematic species of the Lone Star State—the Caldwell Zoo in Tyler is making headlines with the release of dozens of hatchlings. These small, spiky reptiles, which often blend seamlessly into their surroundings like moving clumps of dirt or moss, are a source of significant enthusiasm at the zoo.
Once on the brink of extinction, the Texas horned lizard’s plight has spurred the Caldwell Zoo into action. Alongside other institutions, the zoo has partnered with Texas Parks & Wildlife to facilitate breeding and subsequent reintroduction of these reptiles into their natural habitats.
Dallas Goodwin, the reptile keeper at Caldwell Zoo, provided insight into the ongoing efforts to support the species’ recovery. In an interview with the Standard, Goodwin elaborated on the zoo’s role in this conservation project. The interview has been lightly edited for clarity.
Texas Standard: Caldwell Zoo, while not the largest facility in the state, is significantly contributing to the recovery of the Texas horned lizard. What makes this project a good fit for your zoo?
Dallas Goodwin: The Texas horned lizard holds a special place in people’s hearts. Many visitors reminisce about seeing these lizards frequently during their youth, which demonstrates the deep connection people have with them. This project is an opportunity to help restore the lizard’s populations in their historical ranges and refine our methods for their successful reintroduction into the wild.
Texas Standard: Could you walk us through the process from mating to releasing the lizards?
Dallas Goodwin: Certainly. We begin by pairing adult horned lizards for mating and then carefully collect their eggs. These eggs are brought into a controlled environment where we monitor temperature and humidity with precision in an incubator. After approximately 60 days, the eggs hatch. We then transfer the hatchlings to specially designed enclosures where they are nurtured until they are ready to be released into the wild.
The Caldwell Zoo’s initiative is a crucial step in bolstering the population of these iconic reptiles and ensuring their continued presence in Texas’s natural landscape.