The San Antonio Zoo is starting 2026 on a high note with the arrival of two tiny—but mighty—African pygmy falcon chicks. Hatched in late December, these chicks mark the Zoo’s first animal births of the new year and continue an impressive streak of success for one of the world’s smallest birds of prey.
Though small enough to fit in the palm of a hand, pygmy falcons have become fan favorites at the San Antonio Zoo. In 2025, six chicks hatched at the Zoo, drawing attention from bird lovers and conservation supporters across Texas and beyond. With these newest arrivals, the Zoo has now successfully hatched 20 pygmy falcon chicks, highlighting its long-term commitment to avian care and conservation.
Behind the Scenes at the San Antonio Zoo
The chicks were born in the Zoo’s behind-the-scenes Avian Reproduction Center, where specialized teams focus on breeding, incubation, and early-stage care for bird species. They are currently being raised in The Nest, a dedicated space designed to support healthy development during the earliest weeks of life.
In these first stages, the chicks are hand-fed every two hours throughout the day and housed in carefully monitored incubation units that maintain ideal temperature and humidity. Pygmy falcons hatch fully feathered and weigh just a few grams, yet they quickly show the confident personalities the species is known for.
In the wild, pygmy falcons are native to parts of Africa and are known for their unusual nesting habits. They often share nests with social weaver birds—sometimes acting as protectors of the nest, and other times as opportunistic hunters. These behaviors make them a fascinating species for both researchers and zoo visitors.
Conservation Success in San Antonio
The continued success of the pygmy falcon program reflects the San Antonio Zoo’s broader conservation mission. Through collaboration, research, and hands-on animal care, the Zoo plays an important role in protecting species while also educating visitors about wildlife conservation.
These two new chicks represent a hopeful start to 2026 and serve as a reminder that conservation efforts happening in San Antonio have a global impact.
Plan Your Visit to the San Antonio Zoo
Located in the heart of Brackenridge Park, the San Antonio Zoo is one of the city’s most popular family attractions and welcomes visitors year-round. A visit to the Zoo supports animal care, conservation programs, and future success stories like these pygmy falcon chicks.
Guests can explore a wide variety of exhibits, learn about wildlife from around the world, and experience conservation in action—all while enjoying one of San Antonio’s most iconic destinations.
Save on your tickets to the San Antonio Zoo by purchasing them online here.
