5 animal tales to make you smile

A natural comedian

Brugelette, Belgium—How’s it hanging? Giant panda bear

Bao Di gave staffers at Pairi Daiza zoo a chuckle when they arrived to check on him. The giddy bear was caught rolling around in the grass, hanging from his log climber, sticking out his tongue and waving back to the keepers. What a character!

Apple of Mom’s eye

Miami—Welcome to the world, sweetie! Staffers at Zoo Miami were overjoyed at the birth of this Bactrian camel calf, born to parents Sunny and Bubba, as the species is considered endangered. And the mom was just as smitten with her new arrival! She immediately began nuzzling her sweet baby, and the pair could be heard humming to each other—the top way camel moms and babies communicate.

All aboard, little one!

Duisburg, Germany—This sweet koala joey, born to mom Gooni at the Duisburg Zoo, is finally getting familiar with her lush surroundings for the very first time. The baby recently emerged from her mother’s pouch and has been tightly clinging to her back ever since. Not only does it provide a comfortable form of transportation, it makes it easy for Mom to share tasty eucalyptus with her tot.

A star is born

Mexico City—Meet

Alex, the newest Gentoo penguin to join the colony at the Inbursa Aquarium, and the first penguin to be born on Mexican soil. The youngster’s soft downy feathers make him particularly adorable and hard to resist. Keepers say he has the feel of a cuddly, stuffed animal, which will last until his waterproof feathers grow in.

Future kings of the jungle

Narok, Kenya—What could be more precious than a blue-eyed baby leopard? Two cutie cubs! This pair was spotted pouncing and prowling around the Maasai Mara National Reserve one afternoon, with their mom keeping a close eye on them. The silly siblings appeared to be playfully stalking each other in the tall grass and chasing bugs that flew by. It didn’t take long for the duo to get tuckered out from all of the fun, however, so they were more than happy to join their mom in the shade for a much-needed catnap.