One of the most exciting times for zoos and animal parks is when they acquire an animal or a new “family member” is born at the facility.
New animals thrill visitors and staff alike. It also highlights the important work of wildlife conservation, captive breeding, and public education. At Otto Environmental we want to celebrate these new arrivals and highlight the zoos and parks that make this possible!
The Milwaukee County Zoo welcomes a new Gentoo penguin.
Gentoo penguins are native to Antarctica. These birds can reach a height of 51 to 90 cm (20 to 35 in) making them the third-largest species of penguin after the emperor and king penguins. The largest populations are found on the Falkland Islands. Zookeepers report that the chick is growing quickly, and that parents Oscar and Fiona are doing well caring for it. At this point, they are old pros, as several of their other offspring also live in the penguin habitat. Staff said “ The birds “are very curious and always up to something!”
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium added four Cheetah cubs to their facility.
Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is one of nine Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredited institutions that participate in the National Cheetah Breeding Center Coalition. “Not long ago, cheetahs were considered one of the more difficult species to breed in zoos,” said Dr. Jason Herrick, Vice President of Conservation and Animal Health for Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. “Over the last couple of decades, the members of the National Cheetah Breeding Center Coalition, including our Wildlife Safari Park, have worked together to really figure out how to breed cheetahs.” The cubs were born at an off-display breeding site at the Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Park in Ashland.
Highland Wildlife Park celebrated the one year birthday of UK’s only polar bear cub, Brodie.
Brodie was born on 14 December 2021 to parents Victoria and Arktos. Keepers kicked off the party with a birthday ice-cake made of carrots, hot dogs, apples, cod liver oil, and peanut butter frosting. Brodie shared his cake with his mom who also celebrated a birthday, turning 26 in December. Vickie Larkin, carnivore team leader at Highland Wildlife Park said “Like all the animals in our care, our polar bears play an important role in attracting and engaging thousands of visitors each year so they can learn about the threats animals face in the wild and the action they can take to help. Their power to connect with people with nature and encourage behavior change is invaluable.”
The Kansas City Zoo announced the birth of a rare black rhino calf.
The black rhino is considered critically endangered. Poaching has put pressure on wild populations. It is estimated that only about 740 black rhinos are left in the wild. Only 53 are found in accredited zoos and breeding facilities. Staff report the calf, and its mother are doing well.
Park visitors and patrons want to support this essential conservation work. We are introducing a new feature called Wishlist. Wishlist makes it easy to donate for special occasions in the animal’s life. Registered zookeepers are welcome to create a wish list that can be shared with customers through web links and social media.