This Easter peep laughs (or will when it is fully grown)! The chick is a Laughing Kookaburra, hatched on March 2 at Northeastern Wisconsin Zoo. The little bird has grown and changed quite a bit over the last 5 weeks. First time parents -- mom Jayke and dad Maverick -- have been very busy taking turns carrying insects and mice to the nest box to keep their youngster well fed. This is their first chick and it is thriving under their excellent care.

The parents are the zoo's only Kookaburras and were identified by the Species Survival Program (SSP) as among the most genetically valuable pairs in captivity. They are one of just six pairs in the United States recommended to produce offspring this year.  

In the wild, young Laughing Kookaburras often stay with the family to help raise their younger siblings. A spokesperson for the zoo said they hope that this youngster will get the chance to help its parents raise another brood soon. The photos below show the baby at one week, and again at five weeks.

Photo Credit: Carmen Murach/Northeastern Wisconsin Zoo

A very rare and endangered Red Panda was born at the Northeastern Wisconsin Zoo on Jun 12. NEW Zoo collaborates with other AZA zoos and the Red Panda Species Survival Program to ensure the survival of this beautiful animal. Only 18 zoos exhibit this more rare subspecies of Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens refulgens) and there are only 57 individuals in the captive population. In order to keep the gene pool healthy, the AZA has a target population of 110 animals.

Reproduction can be quite difficult for this species. Fluctuations in weight affect fertility and males seem to experience "reproductive senescence" if they don't breed before they reach the age of 12. At 13, male Tae-bo is the oldest first time father on record! Leafa has proven to be a very capable mother. Although she is willing to allow her mate close to the infant male panda, she prefers that Zookeepers keep their distance. The baby is being raised on exhibit and is expected to emerge from the nest box between three and four months of age.

10 week old Gillin, the orphan baby cougar rescued from the wilds of Oregon, is adjusting well to her new life at the Northeastern Wisconsin Zoo. Many zoo animals that are solitary in the wild benefit from having friends and hobbies in a captive situation. Gillin will be introduced to the NEW Zoo's adult cougar B.B. when she is a bit older. 

Like most rambunctious babies, she loves to wrestle. In order for her to learn appropriate social behavior, she has been provided with a playmate. Treva is an energetic 2 year old Welsh terrier who belongs to Curator Carmen Murach.

Two fluffy Canadian Lynx kittens were welcomed at the Northeastern Wisconsin Zoo last week as part of the AZA's Population Management Plan for the species which called for additional genetic diversity in the zoo population. Lucky visitors to the NEW Zoo can see the kittens between noon and 3pm daily through a viewing window at the animal hospital. For those of you not in the area, enjoy the video at the bottom.

Looking ferocious

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.

There are a couple more blow the fold...