Hilvarenbeek, November 14, 2023 - The young African elephant Mosi has taken her first steps outside under the watchful eye of the caring family. Mosi was born on November 4.

Images with credit to Beekse Bergen/Mariska Vermij - van Dijk.

Introducing Jacksonville Zoo’s newest Malayan tiger ambassadors! Cinta gave birth to THREE cubs on Sunday, November 5. The few days after birth are critical as the little family adjusts. Cinta has been very attentive to her babies, grooming and allowing the cubs to nurse, so officials are giving them space while they get settled in and bond privately behind the scenes. Animal Care staff continue to monitor them to ensure they are eating, sleeping and cuddling as they should. Just like with humans, there are potential risks. We remain cautiously optimistic and look forward to sharing updates. Tigers play a critical role in their natural habitat by balancing and maintaining a thriving ecosystem. Unfortunately, there are estimated to be fewer than 150 Malayan tigers left in the wild. This pregnancy is a significant addition to the sustainability of the Critically Endangered species, and Jacksonville are proud of their contribution to ensuring a viable and diverse Malayan tiger population.

Hilvarenbeek, November 6, 2023 - In peace and under the watchful eyes of the other ladies in the group, African elephant Pina-Nessi has given birth to her first calf after a gestation period of 22 months. The young animal was born on Saturday morning, November 4. It is a female. Mother and daughter are doing well.

Female shark pup born through parthenogenesis (without fertilization)

Brookfield, Ill. — On August 23, an epaulette shark pup hatched at Brookfield Zoo. The hatching wasn’t unusual, but what is, is the way the shark embryo developed. The adult female shark had not been housed with a male since arriving at the Zoo in 2019. At that time, she was only 3 years old, and the species reaches sexual maturity around 7 years of age. Under these circumstances, animal care staff believe the female produced a fertile egg without needing to be fertilized by a male’s genetic material. This reproductive process known as parthenogenesis is when an embryo develops from an unfertilized egg cell.

Lion keepers at Taronga Western Plains Zoo received the best gift for International Zookeeper Day, with a trio of lion cubs born late in the evening on Wednesday 4 October 2023.

This is the second litter for breeding pair Marion and Lwazi, after three bouncing baby girls were born on 7 April 2022.

“The cubs are doing really well, they’re hitting all their milestones and Marion is an absolute superstar mum,” said Senior Keeper Melanie Friedman.

Overloon, November 2, 2023 - A reticulated giraffe was born in ZooParc this week. It is the first giraffe ever born in the zoo in Overloon.

The reticulated giraffe is found in lightly vegetated savannas and grasslands south of the Sahara, including North Kenya, Somalia, and South Ethiopia. This species is threatened because its habitat is shrinking, primarily due to deforestation. Additionally, reticulated giraffes are hunted.