![\"Sam](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/7fdfefb0770d501e082fb1484854ee40.jpeg\"\/)
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Sam Houston, who was born April 1, plays with half-sister Lady Bird behind the scenes of the Fort Worth Zoo\u2019s Elephant Springs habitat. The zoo\u2019s breeding program aims to reverse the decline of this endangered species.<\/p>\n
(Fort Worth Zoo)<\/p>\n
\u201cAs is tradition for all elephants born at the Fort Worth Zoo, each calf receives a Texas-themed name,\u201d the release states. \u201cGiven his remarkable size \u2014 the largest calf in Zoo history \u2014 it felt only fitting to honor one of Texas\u2019 most iconic figures.\u201d<\/p>\n
The calf has been bonding with his mother, Belle, behind the scenes and learning how to swim. Starting Thursday, the public can see him at Elephant Springs between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily.<\/p>\n
Asian elephants are classified as endangered<\/a> on the International Union for Conservation of Nature\u2019s Red List. It\u2019s estimated that fewer than 50,000 are left in the wild<\/a>. Their number continues to decline due poaching and habitat loss.<\/p>\n The Fort Worth Zoo launched an Asian elephant breeding program<\/a> in 1986 and spearheaded a conservation organization known as the International Elephant Foundation in 1998.<\/p>\n The addition of Sam Houston brings the zoo\u2019s herd to 10 members, which now includes five males and five females. The calf\u2019s mother, Belle, and aunt, Bluebonnet, were also born at the Fort Worth Zoo.<\/p>\n Sam Houston has been bonding with his mother, Belle, behind the scenes of the Fort Worth Zoo\u2019s Elephant Springs habitat. This newest member of the Asian elephant herd was born April 1.<\/p>\n (Fort Worth Zoo)<\/p>\n In 2022, Bluebonnet\u2019s son Bowie was sent to the Oklahoma City Zoo to help grow their herd. Bowie sired a calf<\/a> there in June 2025, making Fort Worth Zoo\u2019s oldest elephant Rasha a great-grandmother and the matriarch of four generations.<\/p>\n Ramona Bass, chair of the Fort Worth Zoological Association Board of Directors, said the zoo\u2019s goal is to help Asian elephants thrive for generations to come.<\/p>\n \u201cEach birth is a step forward, reflecting decades of dedicated care and specialized expertise,\u201d Bass said in the release. \u201cAs part of the natural world, we play a critical role in their future.\u201d<\/p>\n \ud83d\udea8 More breaking news:<\/p>\n![\"Sam](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/2e115d78f70a75b1ca1ead776fd77fec.jpeg\"\/)
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