Columbia Basin Pygmy Rabbits are the world's smallest and among the rarest. Native only to a single area of Washington State, this once isolated population of Pygmy rabbits usually weighs less than a pound in adulthood and was declared extinct in the wild in the '90s, after the remaining 14 bunnies were scooped up and taken into the equivalent of bunny protective custody.
This year the Oregon Zoo welcomed 26 of the little guys, bringing this year's total to 73 baby bunnies (kits) among participating breeding facilities. Color is added to the ears in the pictures below so zoo staff can tell the kits apart.
Unlike most rabbits, the Columbia Basin Pygmy Rabbit did not breed prodigously in captivity, partially due to inbreeding within the tiny wild population. As a result they were cross bred with Idaho Pygmy Rabbits and subsequent breeding efforts have been more successful. Learn more by clicking on "Continue reading..." below or at the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Staff at the Oregon Zoo have teamed up with conservation biologists at the University of Portland to study "baby" elephant Samudra, who was born around this time last year. The research is behavioral, tracking the growing boy's habits throughout the day and analyzing how those habits change over the course of his first year. The results will be shared with other zoos to help ensure successful births and rearing. Learn more below the fold.
The cougar cub we just featured in her full mischievous kitten glory. At this age keepers can still handle the cub, named "Gillin," but it's pretty clear that won't last long.
Last month, a cougar cub was discovered in Klamaath Falls, Oregon. Residing temporarily in the care of the Oregon Zoo, the cub is preparing for a move to his new home at The Northeastern Wisconsin Zoo. Here, puma expert Michelle Schireman is seen yesterday, caring for the young cougar.
The Oregon Zoo's elephant calf, Samudra, turned five months old last week. ZooBorns has brought you a few updates on baby Sumadra and his hijinx. Now we find he has become quite the soccer player as well.
In October, we reported on Sumadra, the baby elephant born August 23rd at the Oregon Zoo. He has since grown into a mischievous young elephant, stirring up fun with his trunk. Thank you to Andrew Wallace for sharing these sneak peeks taken just two days ago.
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