ZooBorns

Polar Bear Cubs Like to Play Dirty

Born Dec. 14th, these two little polar bear cubs have just emerged from their den at the Ouwehands Zoo in the Netherlands. The little guys love nothing more than frolicking in the muddy grass but their mother has other ideas.

Photo credit: Rob Doolaard

Cheetah Cub Charms San Diego Zoo Keepers

A female cheetah cub is being hand raised at the San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park. The Cheetah is one of three cat species with semi-retractable claws. Designed to aide them in high speed pursuits, the claws are always visible.

The unnamed cub was born as a single cub to first-time mother Kenya. Because singletons are often rejected and Kenya does not have previous experience, animal keepers stepped in to assist. The cub was born Feb. 18, 2009 and can be seen at the Wild Animal Park's Animal Care Center.

Double Dutch Giraffe Babies

The Antwerp Zoo, Planckendael, got a double dose of baby giraffe earlier this month as two new giraffe babies were born to different Moms.  The births, which occurred within a day of each other, are the first of their kind for Planckendael.

Black-Necked Swan Cygnets under Mom's Wing

Displaying none of their parents' signature black neck, these downy white black-necked swan cygnets ventured out onto the pond at the Riverbanks Zoo's Bird Garden after only one day in the nest. Born March 6th, the cygnets will be on display until the fall.

While wholly capable of swimming, sometimes it's easier to catch a ride with mom.

Gentle Reassurance between Sun Bear Cubs

Pagi, a female Bornean sun bear cub whose name means morning in a Malayan dialect, reassures her brother, Palu, who is named after a valley in Borneo, as they made their public debut at the San Diego Zoo today. 

Photo credits: Tammy Spratt, San Diego Zoo, March 16th, 2009.

National Zoo Announces Anteater Birth

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo is pleased to announce the birth of a giant anteater born March 12, in an indoor enclosure. This is only the second giant anteater to be born in the history of the Zoo.

Wild anteaters' diets consist mainly of, you guessed it, ants. They will also eat fallen fruit if they find it on the ground. Sounds like a refreshing way to wash down all the ants (up to 30,000 a day!)

Photo Credit: Smithsonian's National Zoo. Date: March 13, 2009

Talk about an Awkward Phase

Baby camels are just plain goofy. This little dromedary camel was born at the Bosque y Zoologico in Mexicali, Mexico on March 6th. While the pictures are a bit grainy, the camels absurdly long legs and neck are clearly visible, as is her healthy appetite.

Bronx Zoo Tree Kangaroo Still Needs Mom

Cuter than ever, the pink bundle of "Joey" we brought you in late December is almost all grown up now, although Mom's pouch is never far afield. 

The Bronx Zoo's Tree Kangaroo Joey can be seen exploring his exhibit on his own, as well as darting back to Mom's pouch for a snooze. This exhibit is one of the highlights at the Zoo's "Jungleword" attraction which offers year round access to tropical creatures including otters, gibbons, and a tapir.

Photo credit: Julie Larsen Maher © WCS

Tommy T. versus Pow Wow: Round II

ZooBorns introduced you to a tiny Tommy T. back in December, when he was just a cuddly cheetah cub at the Cincinnati Zoo. A week later, we shared pics of Tommy with his new playpal, Pow Wow the Anatolian shepherd puppy. Well both have grown a lot since then, but they have certainly not outgrown a vigorous wrestling match.

Looks like this round goes to Tommy T!

Special thanks to Jason B for the fantastic series of pics.

One Big Kitten: Tiger Cub at the Jerusalem Zoo

Born on New Years Eve, these adorable pictures were taken when the tiger cub was 6 weeks old. Ignored by its mother, the little boy requires constant care and is being raised in the home of Jerusalem Zoo veterinarian, Nili Avni-Magen. 

Outside of the cub's room, a sign reads "Warning: Tiger Inside" but visitors have a hard time feeling threatened when they step in and find him playing with Nili's 3 year old daughter or sprawled out on a stuffed tiger toy that doubles as a bed. Called Sylvester by some, Tigger by others, and Coochie by Nili's daughter, the tiger will soon be moved to an area adjacent to its mother and father to become better acquainted. 

Photo credits: Tibor Jager