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October 2021

Otter Triplets and A Critically Endangered Infant Part of Drusillas Park’s Summer Baby Boom

Staff and visitors who were lucky enough to catch the first glimpses of Drusillas Park’s (Sussex, UK) tiny baby otters in late August noticed something rather unusual about the triplets – their otter-ly fabulous silver coats!

Born in late July, it appears the pearly pups have all inherited the extraordinary gene from their dad, Cheddar, with each infant boasting the same silvery frosted fur.

Not long after welcoming the new arrivals, Keepers noticed that the babies were nothing like any otter pups they’d seen before, and visitors could enjoy seeing Cheddar and mum, Halloumi-Bee, bring their babes out of the nest for the first time.

The triplets take Drusillas count for otter babies over the last couple of years to seven, bringing positive news for the species’ animal welfare throughout BIAZA collections. Asian short-clawed otters are classified as vulnerable as they are under threat from habitat loss and use in the pet trade, and Drusillas is proud to be contributing once again to animal conservation in this way.

Just a few weeks prior, Drusillas was overjoyed to announce the safe arrival of their ape-solutely adorable newest zoo born - a critically endangered Sulawesi crested macaque baby.

The Zoo team are elated to confirm that the cheeky babe, born on 22nd June to mum Kera and dad Moteck, is perfectly healthy, happy and headstrong, as it starts to brave life outside of the protective hold of its mother. The super cute infant has been delighting visitors by trying out some climbing, swinging, tumbling… and falling!

The Sulawesi black crested macaque is categorised as critically endangered in the wild, and is one of over 20 different endangered and rare species living at the East Sussex Zoo. Sadly the macaque population has declined by 80% over the last 40 years. The principal threat to their survival is over-hunting for meat. In Indonesia the macaque is considered a delicacy, and is often served for special occasions. Deforestation is another major threat to the species, with large areas of their habitat now being cleared for coconut plantations, garden plots and roads. 

“As well as being totally adorable, the cause for celebration is that much more when we successfully breed a critically endangered species at Drusillas.” Continued Gemma, “The healthy arrival of this pair’s second baby provides a crucial boost for the macaque population, and we’re all really proud to play our part in keeping this beautiful primate from extinction.”

Thousands of people put forward names on the Park’s Facebook naming challenge at the beginning of August, and Drusillas have now confirmed that the baby has been named Kiwi!

 


Celebrate World Octopus Day With a Baby California Two-Spot Octopus

Species: California Two-Spot Octopus, Octopus bimaculoides

Home: Birch Aquarium

This baby octopus is about 1 month old (born August 9)

Right now it's about the size of a quarter - this species of octopus can get up to about 2 to 3 feet.

This species has a bright blue “eyespot” on each side of its head.

This cool adaptation tricks predators and prey alike into thinking it's a real eye.

It also makes this octopus appear bigger and helps ward off potential predators like sea lions, seals, and sharks.

This is a local species of octopus for Birch Aquarium and can be found along the waters of Northern California to Baja California, Mexico.


Ring-Tailed Lemur Baby Boom At Dubbo Zoo

Keepers are delighted to announce the safe arrival of eight Ring-tailed Lemur babies to eight different mothers in the breeding group at Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo.

Image-1-Raki-Baby-by-Sasha-Brook

The new babies are made up of five males and three females and are yet to be named.

“This is the most successful breeding season for our Ring-tailed Lemur breeding group to date,” said Keeper Sasha Brook.

“We have five first-time mothers and three experienced mothers. They are all doing a great job caring for their babies. It’s not uncommon for keepers to see one mother grooming another mother’s baby throughout the day.”

These babies are also the first offspring for new male, Skynard who arrived at Taronga Western Plains Zoo last year. Skynard originated from a Zoo overseas therefore his genetics are incredibly important to the regional breeding program in Australasia.

“These babies are the second generation to be born at Taronga Western Plains Zoo and it is truly wonderful to see some of the first offspring born here now become mothers themselves.”   

“At the moment the infants are clinging to their mum’s bellies and suckling milk but in the coming month they will start to be more active and begin riding on their mother’s backs more and more,” said Sasha.

Ring-tailed Lemurs only have a very small window to fall pregnant. They generally come into season for 24-48 hours once a year, so if there isn’t a successful mating during this period it is a long wait until the following year.

The Ring-tailed Lemur breeding season is generally in March-May, so births are usually expected in early spring following a four-month gestation period.

“The babies are currently a little difficult to see as they are small and clinging to their mum’s tummy but are most active in the mid-morning and mid-afternoon on the island if the weather is warm.”

Taronga Western Plains Zoo is home to two groups of Ring-tailed Lemurs, a breeding group near the Savannah picnic ground and a bachelor group at the Savannah Lake.  The breeding group now has 17 individuals including the most recent babies, whilst the bachelor group has four individuals. 

Taronga Western Plains Zoo will reopen on Monday 18 October 2021. For more information about the Zoo or to purchase tickets visit www.taronga.org.au/dubbo.


Orangutans Sekali and Budi Are Expecting

TORONTO, ON, Thursday, October 7, 2021: Twenty-nine-year-old Sumatran orangutan Sekali is going to be a mother again! She and father-to-be Budi (a fifteen-year-old male Sumatran orangutan) were paired at the recommendation of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP), and the Toronto Zoo is thrilled to further contribute to the future of this critically endangered species. Sekali has had one previous offspring (male Kembali, who still lives at the Toronto Zoo); Budi is a first-time father.

Continue reading "Orangutans Sekali and Budi Are Expecting" »


These Baby Snow Leopards Need Names!

A pair of snow leopard cubs are currently on exhibit and can be seen every day the Toledo Zoo is open - both cubs are incredibly bold and rambunctious.

The zoo is also encouraging people to participate in a naming contest:

The two cubs were born on June 3 to mother Greta and father Shishir. Toledo Zoo are thrilled to have one boy and one girl, and can't wait to finally give them their names.

With a donation amount of your choice, you can cast your vote for your favorite cub names and help Toledo Zoo raise funds for their conservation efforts.

Vote now until Friday, October 22! Voting is unlimited.

Visit https://www.toledozoo.org/snowleopardcubs


Marwell Zoo Visitors Treated To The Birth Of An Endangered Grevy’s Zebra Foal 

Visitors to Marwell Zoo were treated to the sight of a rare zebra foal being born.

PhotosByGemma---Grevy's-zebra-foal-(3)

The endangered Grevy’s zebra gave birth to a healthy foal at the zoo’s Wild Explorers paddock opposite Marwell’s Grade 1 listed hall in front of amazed onlookers.

PhotosByGemma---Grevy's-zebra-foal-(5)

Keepers carefully monitored the zebra from a distance and answered questions from guests, while first-time mother Ellen gave birth in just 30 minutes.

Both mother and foal, whose name and gender are to be confirmed, are doing very well.

Continue reading "Marwell Zoo Visitors Treated To The Birth Of An Endangered Grevy’s Zebra Foal " »


Omo The Baby Hippo: An Update

September was a big month for Cheyenne Mountains Zoo’s (Colorado Springs, Colorado)

quickly growing Nile hippo calf. He got a name, explored new spaces and tried new foods. One thing didn't change for young Omo, though: his love for naps.

Join Water's Edge: Africa keeper, Grace, for an update on the Zoo’s two-month-old calf, and hear about how Omo's following in mom's footsteps literally and figuratively. Zambezi is a confident hippo, and her little boy is showing signs he'll be just the same!

Check out Omo's complete video playlist, here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/55670076018/3216871291928267/