TYLER, Texas — The Texas horned lizard, also known as the "horny toad," is infamous throughout the Lone Star State, but their population is decreasing in the wild. The Caldwell Zoo in Tyler is stepping up to help.
The Texas Horned Lizard Conservation Center is teeming with baby lizards. They recently welcomed around 75 hatchlings to the world in an effort to help species conservation.
Once the lizards are old enough, they will be released into the wild at Mason Mountain Wildlife Management Area in Mason, Texas.
"They are a species of specific interest in Texas, as their populations are declining in our state," said Jack Cross, keeper of reptiles. "One of the biggest threats is the introduction of fire ants here in Texas."
The Caldwell Zoo has worked to repopulate the species for the past several years and has released over 100 hatchlings. This is a combined initiative with Texas Parks and Wildlife and several other zoos Between all the organizations, over 1,000 hatchlings have been released, according the the Caldwell Zoo's website.
For more behind-the-scenes zoo content, watch CBS19 on Fridays during Morning Y'all for the weekly segment, Exploring the Caldwell Zoo.