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While I've known for some time now that the "Nine-Banded Armadillo" was the official State of Texas Small Mammal designated in 1927. That same year Austin also added the State's first flying animal to the list, and it was the Northern Mockingbird. Plus, they added the Monarch Butterfly in 1995 and the Blue Lacy dog in 2005.

I was unaware that the state legislators have been busy adding more to the list of "Texas State Animals" since 1927 as you've probably already surmised that the Texas Longhorn Cattle were on the list. However, that wasn't the case. The Texas Horned Lizards were added in 1993, the Longhorns were not added to the Texas Animal List until 1995.

<p style="text-align: center;">The Mexican Free-Tailed Bat was given the title of Official State Small Flying Mammal of Texas in 1995</p><p> </p>

You'd think that since Texas has always been a cattle ranching, horse riding, and farming kind of state, these things would have already been added to the list of "Official State of Texas Animals," right? That is not the case because just several years ago when the longhorn was added (in 1995) so was the State's first flying mammal. I'm speaking of the Mexican free-tailed bat.

LOOK: These are the Official Animal, Mammal, Fish and Insect of Texas

If you've ever wondered what are the official State of Texas Animals, here they are.

But that's not all, how could we Texans be so inconsiderate and forgetful to not have a horse anywhere on the Texas animal, mammal, fish, or insect list? So finally, just a few years ago in 2009, the American Quarter Horse was introduced as the official Horse State of Texas.

This is the most up-to-date list and if another is added we'll keep you posted. However, I'm left wondering if there's something else we're missing. If you have any ideas please share.

LOOK: The Abilene Zoo From A to Z

Here's a close-up look at the animals that call the Abilene Zoo home.