TITLE: Congratulating the Fort Worth Zoo for being named the Best Zoo in North America by USA Today.

SUMMARY: Congratulating the Fort Worth Zoo for being named the Best Zoo in North America by USA Today.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Fort Worth Zoo received well-deserved recognition when it was named the Best Zoo in North America by USA Today in July 2020; and WHEREAS, Each year, USA Today assembles a panel of industry experts to select the 20 zoos in North America that maintain the highest professional standards, and the newspaper then asks readers to vote for their favorite from the list; the Fort Worth Zoo claimed the No. 1 spot for the first time in 2020 and has finished in the top five on three previous occasions; and WHEREAS, Drawing one million visitors annually, the Fort Worth Zoo is renowned for being the home of many rare animals; it is the only zoo in Texas, and one of just seven in the nation, to house bonobos, and it is one of five locations in the world to include both black and greater one-horned African rhinoceroses; moreover, it hosts the most successful breeding colony of lesser flamingos in the world, and its residents include 68 endangered and threatened species, including the harpy eagle, the Storm's stork, and the Komodo dragon; among other accomplishments, the zoo has led the effort to save the Jamaican iguana, the most endangered lizard in the world; and WHEREAS, The Fort Worth Zoo benefits from the efforts of a dedicated staff that includes 185 full-time members, 400 part-time seasonal workers, and as many as 200 seasonal volunteers; it is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Zoological Association of America, and American Humane; and WHEREAS, The Fort Worth Zoo has been delighting and educating visitors about the natural world for more than a century, and it is truly deserving of this special honor; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas Legislature hereby congratulate the Fort Worth Zoo for being named the Best Zoo in North America by USA Today and extend to the zoo's staff sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the zoo as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Goldman Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 933 was adopted by the House on May 8, 2021, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House