ZooBorns

Painted Puppies Go for a Dip

We can't get enough of the Pittsburgh Zoo's Painted Hunting Dogs. Their submissive nature is very much on display in this adorable video as they build up the courage to collectively take a dip. (Note that the sound goes in and out.)

See more of the little guys here and here.

Louisville's "Little" Slugger

A new baby Masai giraffe was born on Monday, January 11, 2010, to 22-year-old mother Mariah. This calf is the 20th giraffe to be born in the Louisville Zoo’s 40 year history. A naming contest is planned and details will be announced at a later date.

(Photos: Kara Bussabarger/Louisville Zoo)

We Keep Gibbon You The Best!

A baby gibbon sits on a swing in its enclosure in Vienna's Schoenbrunn zoo, in this photograph released by the zoo on February 3, 2010. The gibbon, born on September 23, 2009, has yet to be sexed and named. Any suggestions? Picture taken January 4, 2010.

REUTERS/Vienna Zoo/Norbert Potensky/Handout

Goodbye Tai Shan and Mei Lan!

Tomorrow will be a bittersweet day at the National Zoo and Zoo Atlanta, as fans must say goodbye to Giant Pandas Tai Shan and Mei Lan respectively. Four year old Giant Pandas Tai Shan and Mei Lan have captivated crowds since their successful births, the first for both institutions. 

The pandas will be returned to China in accordance with the Zoos' original agreements. In fact, Tai Shan was supposed to return home two years ago but the Chinese government extended his stay for another two years.

(Below) Tai Shan back in 2005 at 11-weeks-old. This was during the cub's 7th check up, all of which he "handled very well," according to zoo veteranarians.

Photo: Smithsonian Zoo

Photo: Smithsonian Zoo

(Below) Snow falls on Tai Shan during his farewell celebration. The snow and frigid temperatures failed to deter Tan Shan's diehard fans from coming to say goodbye.


Photo: Jon McRay/FONZ Photo Club

(Below) Mei Lan snuggles up with mom during her first weeks at Zoo Atlanta in 2006. 

Photo: Zoo Atlanta

(Below) Mei Lan strikes a postcard worthy panda-pose.

Photo: Atlanta Zoo 

(Below) The Washington Post shares video of Tai-Shan's last days in DC. 

Tai-Shan received farewell letters from DC area students including this one from Florence Kane, age 8.

Teeny Tiny Toads at the Bronx Zoo!

The Bronx Zoo has just unveiled what is sure to be a major-miniature attraction and an essential piece of conservation to boot - Kihansi Spray Toads! When Tanzania built a massive hydroelectric dam in the Kihansi Gorge, this tiny toad lost 90% of its habitat. True to their name, Kihansi Spray Toads required the mist generated by water crashing through the gorge to keep their skin moist. When the heavy water was reduced to a trickle, the spray dried up. 

 

Luckily, researchers from the Wildlife Conservation Society's Bronx Zoo were on hand to collect an "assurance colony" of 499 toads. Over the last nine years these researchers have figured out how to keep the little toads comfortable and, more importantly, how to encourage them to produce baby toads! The eensy-teensy-tiny results can be enjoyed below!

 

 

 Photo credits: Julie Larsen Maher / WCS

If you live anywhere near New York or were looking for an excuse to make the trip, the Kihasa Spray Toad exhibit is reason enough. Learn more by clicking "continue reading" below.

Say Hello to Germany's Newest Gorilla Baby

Germany's Hellebrunn Zoo hosted photographers last week for a media session with 25 year old gorilla Bagira, and her 6th offspring, Kojolu. Kojolu was born last month and continues to do well in the protection of her mother.  Doting mom Bagira keeps older siblings Sadiki and Makena at bay during this critical period for the infant's development. After another two months in seclusion, Kojolu will be introduced to the other gorillas in the zoo's fold. (via The Windsor Star)

Photo: Michael Dalder/Reuters

Photo: Michael Dalder/Reuters

Photo: Oliver Lang AFP/Getty Images

Photo: Oliver Lang AFP/Getty Images

Photo: Michael Dalder/Reuters

Penguin Picassos

Only one year ago we covered little "Blue Blue's" hatching at Connecticut's Mystic Aquarium. 

Since that time, Blue Blue has turned into quite the painting prodigy. Keepers apply non-toxic paint to Blue Blue's webbed feet and he is free to waddle about as he pleases, creating a unique piece of art. Along with the works of two other mated pairs, Blue Blue's masterpieces are available on the Aquarium's website starting Feb. 5th. The perfect Valentine's Day gift for that hard to buy for penguin art aficionado in your life.