ZooBorns

It's a Girl! Leggy Baby Giraffe Born at Hogle Zoo

This female Reticulated Giraffe was born on September 23 at Hogle Zoo in Utah. The nearly six foot newborn was immediately cleaned up by mama, 9-year-old Kipenzi, and was standing up and attempting to nurse within the hour.
 
"It's very exciting to have any birth here, but especially Giraffes," said Animal Care Supervisor Jane Larson. "They're such large animals. It's so fascinating to see this long-legged creature come out of the giraffe's womb. We're thrilled!"

Mom and baby are doing well. They've been spending the last week bonding but are ready to greet zoo guests. As of October 3, both mom and baby are now on exhibit in their yard, along with two other Giraffes. Hogle Zoo has displayed Giraffes since 1969, and is proud of the history of 16 successful Giraffe births since then. 

Photo Credit: Hogle Zoo


 

Hogle Zoo's Elephant Calf Needs a Name

Known only as "baby" for now, the Hogle Zoo's elephant calf, born August 10th, is on debut and needs your help picking out a name. Here she is mud-bathing and romping with Mom.

Enjoy these videos from just days ago, before her public debut. 

Video Courtesy of KSL.com

Tiny Tiger Triplets Say - "Roar!"

Born June 2nd, these critically endangered male Amur Tiger cubs are now on public display at Utah's Hogle Zoo. Mother Basha has been busily attending to the three playful little brothers and they have been growing steadily for the past three months. Amur Tigers are the largest of all cat species, reaching 11 feet and up to 650 lbs. in adulthood.

A Healthy 251 lb Baby!

After 22 months of pregnancy, mother elephant Christie gave birth to a high-spirited female calf weighing in at 251 lbs or 114 kg at Utah's Hogle Zoo. According to the Zoo's Elephant Manager, Doug Tomkinson, the birth went remarkably quickly and easily. Part of the AZA's Species Survival Plan for African Elephants, this birth contributes to the sustainable population of this species in North America.

Long Necked Nuzzling

The Hogle Zoo is on a roll with another baby and this time it's a big one! A 6' 4" giraffe calf was delivered Thursday evening and is doing quite well. Even with those long legs and ungainly frame, baby giraffes typically stand within the first hour of birth. 

All nuzzled out.

Looking Fierce!

This "ferocious" young cub was born in May at Utah's Hogle Zoo but just recently debuted to the public. Critically endangered in their native home of the Himalayas and other Central Asian mountain ranges, snow leopards are bred at zoos across the country as part of the AZA's Species Survival Plan. 

Looking less fierce

Photo credits (bottom two pictures): Bill Warden

Tiny Tamarins at the Hogle Zoo

Utah's Hogle Zoo had a Mother's Day surprise when "Puddles," the golden lion tamarin gave birth to twins late this past Saturday night. An endangered species, there are estimated to be only about 1,000 individuals left in their native Brazil. 

The babies cling tightly to mom's back as you can see below (look carefully).