Animal encounters
There’s a baby boom across Australia and New Zealand’s zoos and wildlife parks, discovers rhianna lewis. With a wild variety of bouncing babies on offer, visitors have a chance to fall in love with these adorable little critters.
We introduce you to some of Australia’s cutest new little zoo residents.
Toki, Renala and Toliara Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo
Three cute ring-tailed lemurs were born in August and September at Taronga Western Plains Zoo. This is a significant achievement, given the tiny 24-hour breeding window for lemurs in April. The zoo also announced the birth of two takhi foals in October. These endangered foals were born to new mums, creating more genetic diversity and helping to conserve the species. The zoo’s herd now has a total of 14 takhi.
Dubbo’s expansive zoo is best explored by bike to save little legs from getting too tired. Visitors can see 350 species of animals, from meerkats to Sumatran tigers, and experience a range of kids’ activities. taronga.org.au/dubbo-zoo
Mapenzi, Kuishi, Mara and Thumani Monarto Zoo, Adelaide
There are lots of new bundles of joy to admire at Monarto Zoo in Adelaide, with four cheetah cubs and a baby zebra on exhibit. But the zoo has even more exciting news: the six five-month-old Tassie devil joeys have had their first health check with very positive results. Given the significant decline in the species’ population in the past 22 years, this is wonderful news for the continuation of the species. And, Hannah the chimp is pregnant after arriving at the zoo in March this year.
At Monarto, visitors can breakfast with rhinos and cheetahs or even get up close to animals such as meerkats and lions! monartozoo.com.au
Sophie Australia Zoo
See Australia Zoo’s new family member, Sophie! The zoo has welcomed the gorgeous female giraffe calf, and visitors can see her on the African Savannah with the rest of the giraffe herd. Born in August to mum Rosie, and dad Forest, Sophie has proven to be an ambitious young calf, just like her mum, and mini zoologists will love seeing her proudly strutting her stuff. Did you know that giraffe are born up to two metres tall and can weigh 60 kilograms? Crikey! australiazoo.com.au
Khela’s new cub Auckland Zoo
December saw the birth of an adorable new Nepalese red panda cub at Auckland Zoo. The cub, who could fit in the palm of your hand at birth, is the first arrival for new parents, mum Khela and dad Ramesh, and a significant achievement in the preservation of this endangered species.
Visiting families should thrill their own cubs by checking out the Junior Keeper program, where littlies can help feed and care for various animals. aucklandzoo.co.nz
Elena Melbourne Zoo
Lovely spider monkey Elena was born in June to first-time mum Isobella. The pregnancy had several complications, but luckily, the birth went without a hitch and Elena is now healthy as can be! Spider monkeys, an endangered species from Central and South America, rely on their mothers for 10 weeks but stay close for their whole first year. In addition, Melbourne Zoo is aiming to recover 21 threatened species in southeastern Australia as part of its conservation efforts. zoo.org.au/melbourne
Mudhe Werribee Open Range Zoo
Born to Melako and Zaide, Mudhe is a plains zebra foal. Named for his height, Mudhe (which means ‘tall’ in Zulu) is not on show for the public just yet, but will soon be given a starring role in raising awareness for his endangered close relatives, Grévy’s zebras.
Werribee in southwestern Melbourne is known for being a super kid-friendly zoo, especially for toddlers. There are a range of family activities, from 35-minute Junior Safaris to Village Dance Parties in the zoo’s interactive musical dance theatre. zoo.org.au/werribee
Gizmo, Caramel & Kasper Adelaide Zoo
Adelaide Zoo had a lot of new arrivals in August, including three very cute goat kids. Amazingly, Gizmo, Caramel and Kasper were all born to different mothers on the same day! The kids play games with the keepers, and are now included at the Children’s Zoo, where littlies can pat them.
August also saw the birth of five adorable meerkat pups added to the over 2,500 animals that call the zoo home. Visit in time for the school holiday programs to make the most of your visit. adelaidezoo.com.au