EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens is now home to a group of koi fish, donated by Upper Valley bar Aceitunas Beer Garden.
“As part of an ongoing effort to provide the best environment for these vibrant fish, zoo staff are preparing to transfer the remaining koi from Aceitunas to their new habitat in the coming week,” the zoo said.
The first group of eight koi arrived at the zoo last summer and successfully completed the recommended 30-day quarantine period to ensure the health and safety of the existing collection.
“We made sure these fish had a sustainable habitat where they could continue to grow and thrive,” said Colby Shannon, owner of Aceitunas Beer Garden. “We’re grateful the El Paso Zoo welcomed them, and we’re happy knowing they’ll have a great home.”
Maintaining a healthy environment is essential for koi, as overcrowding can prevent them from reaching their full size and impact water quality, the zoo said.
These fish require ample space, clean water, and a nutritious diet to flourish — resources the zoo is well-equipped to provide, it said in its news release.
“This is a fantastic collaboration between the zoo and the community,” said Joe Montisano, director of the El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens. “The koi have settled in beautifully, and we couldn’t be more pleased with how well they are adapting to their new surroundings.”
Visitors can now see the koi swimming through the water garden in the Asia exhibit.
The El Paso Zoo invites Aceitunas patrons and the entire community to come visit these fish in their new home.
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