We’ve got babies! The Zoo has been bustling with the excitement of newborn animals, and we wanted to share with you a few new faces that you might want to look for on your next visit.
The cuteness of baby animals is always thrilling, but did you know it’s also often the result of careful, sometimes global planning? An adorable newborn can mean a conservation success that helps build a hedge against extinction in the wild. Many species, including the black-footed ferret, Arabian oryx, Spix’s macaw, and the California condor have been restored to the wild thanks to these efforts. So it is exciting! And we’ve got baby photos!
Some of these little ones are brand new babies, and others are growing up fast. Scroll on to find out who’s who.
François’ langur
François’ langur females participate in allomothering, a behavior in which other females help the mother by holding, carrying, and babysitting the infant. This male is being held by his sister. His bright orange fur will turn black as he grows up.
Howler monkey
It’s hard to believe that tiny, pink tongue will soon flash during the calls of the loudest land mammal in the world! As this baby howler monkey grows, his golden fur will turn to black, and a special kind of Adam’s apple will develop that helps him bellow to his fellows.
Mandrill
This female mandrill baby is learning important lessons about living in a troop. She participates in grooming to bond with her family, and is trying out a range of communication methods, from scent-marking to high-pitched squeals and low grunts.
Gorilla
At three years old, Angela is transitioning from being an infant to becoming a juvenile. Though her baby days are ending, she loves goofing around more than ever. She spent her early years building great family relationships, especially with her aunties, who help teach her what it means to grow up as a gorilla.
Kangaroo
Like all marsupials, kangaroo joeys develop in pouches and emerge as newborns when they’re ready. However, they return to the pouch for feeding for a few more months before becoming independent grazers.
Giraffe
A giraffe calf usually sticks close by its mother, but this youngster has a great relationship with his father, Phillip. His arrival caused quite a stir when he began emerging from the womb while Mom Zainabu was in her habitat during the day. He’s the tallest calf ever born at the L.A. Zoo!
Koala
This koala is brand new! He stays very close to Mom Maya, clinging to her as she stays high in the trees of their habitat. Sightings of the pair are special at this time; look for them near the roof structure for the best chance to catch a glimpse.
Is one of these cuties catching your eye? You can name your favorite! Animal naming opportunities begin at $1,000 and support the wellbeing of the all animals that call the Los Angeles Zoo home, including your special animal friend. If you are interested in naming one of the babies featured here or another animal at the Zoo, contact Danika Jensen at (323) 486-1352 or djensen@lazoo.org.
