Hillcrest Park Zoo: boa euthanized; baby wallaby, sloth and capybara encounters debuting; city planning to bring a male giraffe

Zoo staff gave a multi‑part update that included animal welfare actions, new guest encounters, staffing needs and plans to acquire a male giraffe.

Stephanie, speaking for zoo staff, said the zoo had humanely euthanized Queen, a 23‑year‑old red‑veiled boa, after veterinarians determined the animal had an incurable condition and a declining quality of life. “She was our big 8 foot snake… the vet said that we did the right thing, we made the right call,” Stephanie said.

The zoo reported a new baby wallaby currently staying in its mother’s pouch and said staff anticipate the joey will be visible next spring or summer. The zoo is also introducing two guest encounters: a sloth encounter for “Snail,” offered once per day because of animal welfare considerations, and a capybara encounter with two trained capybaras that will take food from visitors. Stephanie said those encounters are being opened on a limited basis to ensure animal well‑being.

On giraffe management, the zoo said Jerica — the facility’s female giraffe currently on long‑term placement at another sanctuary — has not become pregnant while on loan. Zoo staff said they secured a six‑year‑old male giraffe named Antonio from a private source in Florida and plan to bring Antonio to Clovis, which will require barn modifications, a secondary containment yard and a standard quarantine period. Zoo staff said acquiring Antonio would make the zoo the owner of the male and any offspring from future breeding with Jerica.

The zoo also confirmed plans for Haunting at Hillcrest on Oct. 26 and said last year’s event drew about 3,000 visitors; staff plan to open the entire zoo for this year’s event.

Ending

Zoo staff said they will proceed with enclosure adjustments and quarantine planning for the incoming giraffe, expand encounter offerings carefully to protect animal welfare, and continue hiring to support exhibit maintenance.