Baby Animals Archives - Page 2 of 25

Critically Endangered Rhino Born at Lincoln Park Zoo

Posted on April 20, 2026 by admin

A rare female eastern black rhinoceros calf was born in March at Lincoln Park Zoo. Photo by Cassy Kutilek / Lincoln Park Zoo.

Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago welcomed a baby eastern black rhinoceros in March! This is especially happy news because eastern black rhinos are critically endangered, and every birth helps bolster their population.

The female calf weighed around 27 kg (60 lb.) at birth and took her first steps just an hour and a half after being born! She and her mother, Kapuki, are being monitored by zoo staff.

Mom and calf are doing very well and are being monitored by zoo staff. Photo by Cassy Kutilek / Lincoln Park Zoo.

According to Curator Cassy Kutilek, “Mom and calf are doing well and continue to hit their postpartum milestones, and we’re excited for when we’ll start seeing glimmers of the newborn’s personality.”

In the wild, the eastern black rhino population dropped 98% between 1960-1995 due to poaching. Due to conservation efforts, there are now around 1,000 mature individuals in the wild.

One Month Update

The calf, named Hazina, made her public debut on April 29!

At one month old, Hazina made her public debut in April! Photo by Lincoln Park Zoo.

Although hesitant at first, Hazina has been exploring the outdoors with her mother, Kapuki. Photo by Lincoln Park Zoo.

If you would like to support Lincoln Park Zoo and celebrate the rare rhino birth, you can adopt a plush rhino at the Lincoln Park Zoo website.

Baby Red-tailed Monkey at Oakland Zoo

Posted on April 13, 2026 by admin

A baby red-tailed monkey was born to mother, Nonami, at the Oakland Zoo in February. Photo by Oakland Zoo.

Oakland Zoo in California welcomed a baby guenon red-tailed monkey in February! Born to mother, Nonami, and father, Marley, the male baby guenon is currently thriving under his mother’s care.

His birth marked a milestone at the zoo: the very first guenon monkey birth at Oakland Zoo!

Newborn red-tailed guenon monkey at Oakland Zoo.

The newborn, a male, is currently thriving under the care of his mother, as well as his sister, Ikea. Photo by Oakland Zoo.

Nonami has also successfully given birth at her previous zoo to two females who now live at Oakland Zoo: Ikea and Skittles.

Nonami and her new baby have joined the rest of the troop in their habitat, and the baby’s sister, Ikea, has shown strong interest in her brother and wants to help Mom with grooming while Nonami supervises.

Photo by Oakland Zoo.

In the wild, red-tailed monkeys live in central Africa. They are very social and live in troops of 7-30 members.

For more information, see the Oakland Zoo website.

What’s Shakin’? Baby Rattlesnakes at Lincoln Park Zoo

Posted on April 6, 2026 by admin

Shake, shake, shake! It’s nine baby rattlesnakes at Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago. Photo by Lincoln Park Zoo.

Rattlesnake babies are shaking things up at Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago! Nine eastern massasauga rattlesnakes hatched at the zoo in February. Their birth marks a huge milestone in massasauga rattlesnake conservation: the first birth of their kind at the zoo in nearly a decade.

These baby rattlesnakes are the great grandkids of the last few remaining eastern massasauga rattlesnakes in Cook County, Illinois.

These baby rattles are the great grandkids of the last remaining eastern massasauga rattlesnakes in Cook County, Illinois. Photo by Lincoln Park Zoo.

Their population has faced critical threats due to persecution and habitat loss. The zoo, along with state and federal authorities, have been working together for years to conserve this often-misunderstood snake species.

“People tend to fear eastern massasauga rattlesnakes because they’re venomous, but they’re actually a rather shy species and an important part of the Great Lakes region’s ecosystem,” said Curator Dan Boehm.

“It’s always exciting to welcome new offspring of a threatened species, and the fact that this is a local animal we’re actively working to conserve out in the field makes it even more special.”

Photo by Lincoln Park Zoo.

Eastern massasauga rattlesnakes can be found in wetland habitats around the Great Lakes in the United States and Canada. Measuring at about two feet long on average, this species is on the smaller side for rattlesnakes.

To learn more, visit the Lincoln Park Zoo website.

Read more about snakes in our post, 5 Cool Facts About Snakes.

Oakland Zoo Rescues Female Mountain Lion Cub

Posted on March 30, 2026 by admin

Clover, the female mountain lion cub rescued by Oakland Zoo

Oakland Zoo helped rescue a 3-month-old female cougar cub earlier this month. Photo credit: Oakland Zoo.

Earlier this month, Oakland Zoo in California helped rescue a female mountain lion (or cougar) cub. She was found emaciated and wandering near a road. She is about three months old, based on her coloration and tooth development.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) performed initial veterinary exams on the cub and found her to be severely underweight, weighing less than half her ideal weight, and covered in ticks. They treated her for dehydration and tick infestation.

Clover received around-the-clock care at Oakland Zoo Veterinary Hospital. Photo credit: Oakland Zoo.

The cub, now named Clover, was then transferred to Oakland Zoo Veterinary Hospital. After further evaluation, zoo vets determined that Clover was in critical condition.

She received around-the-clock intensive care in the hospital’s ICU, including a blood transfusion using blood donated from a resident cougar at the zoo named Briar.

Briar, a resident cougar at Oakland Zoo, donated blood for Clover’s blood transfusion. Photo credit: Oakland Zoo.

Clover received a life-saving blood transfusion at Oakland Zoo Veterinary Hospital. Photo credit: Oakland Zoo.

Clover is doing better after receiving veterinary care, but zoo vets will monitor her closely. Photo credit: Oakland Zoo.

Although Clover is doing better, she is still being closely monitored by zoo veterinarians.

If you would like to help support Oakland Zoo and its Mountain Lion Rescue and Recovery Program, you can make a donation to Oakland Zoo online at www.oaklandzoo.org/give.

To learn more about mountain lions, see our article, Cougar.

Cutest Baby Animals of 2025

Posted on December 31, 2025 by admin

Let’s take a look back at some of the cutest baby animals born or rescued in 2025. Here are a few highlights that will make you say, “Aww!”

Brightest Eyes

Oakland Zoo rescued a baby spider monkey earlier this year. This bright-eyed baby was a victim of the illegal wildlife pet trade. She suffered from malnourishment and a respiratory infection. Oakland Zoo provided intensive veterinary care to bring her back to health.

This baby spider monkey, a victim of the illegal wildlife pet trade, was rescued by Oakland Zoo. Photo credit: Oakland Zoo.

Fluffiest Waddle

This ball of fluff is a baby African penguin named Waddle from Lincoln Park Zoo. Born on October 1, Waddle was named after former Chicago Bears wide receiver and current ESPN Chicago radio host Tom Waddle in a public naming contest.

Waddle the penguin chick at Lincoln Park Zoo

Waddle, the African penguin chick, hatched on October 1 at Lincoln Park Zoo. Photo by Lincoln Park Zoo.

Most Curious Cubs

Residents in Portola Valley, California spotted three curious cougar cubs wandering around their neighborhood earlier this year. Oakland Zoo rescued the cubs after it was determined their mother had been struck by a car.

These cougar cubs were brought to Oakland Zoo for care after their mother had been struck by a car. Photo by Oakland Zoo.

Best Buddies

The Brookfield Zoo in Chicago welcomed this playful pair of Humboldt penguin chicks at the end of January.

Photo © Brookfield Zoo Chicago.

Cutest Cuddler

The title of cutest cuddler goes to Hank the koala joey, who was given life-saving care at Taronga Wildlife Hospital in Dubbo, Australia in January. Veterinary staff provided 24-hour intensive care for weeks, and prepared him for his return to the wild.

Taronga Western Plains Zoo provided 24-7 veterinary care to Hank the koala joey in January. Photo by Taronga Western Plains Zoo.

Hope you enjoyed our roundup of adorable animals from 2025! Happy New Year! Here’s to many more cute baby animals in 2026!

Baby African Penguin at Chicago Zoo

Posted on November 12, 2025 by admin

Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago welcomed a new African penguin chick in October. Photo credit: Lincoln Park Zoo.

The Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago announced the arrival of a new African penguin chick! After a 40-day incubation period, the baby penguin hatched on October 1.

The chick was born to parents Rosie and Cecil. However, Rosie and Cecil have not been successful in raising chicks in the past, so the Animal Care team has decided this chick will be raised by penguin pair Liam and Maria, who have strong parenting instincts.

The penguin chick remains behind-the-scenes at Lincoln Park Zoo until it grows its juvenile waterproof feathers. Photo credit: Lincoln Park Zoo.

“As a critically endangered species, each new African penguin chick represents an immense amount of hope for the species’ future,” said Hope B. McCormick Curator of Birds Nicole Finch-Mason.

At this point, the chick remains behind-the-scenes. Soon it will begin exploring outside its nest box. It currently weighs 1.9 kg (4.2 lb.) and has downy feathers.

Once it grows its juvenile waterproof feathers in a few weeks, it will join the other African penguins in the zoo’s colony on exhibit. After 1-2 years, the chick will molt into its adult black and white plumage.

African penguins are critically endangered. Lincoln Park Zoo participates in the African Penguin Species Survival Plan (SSP), which helps conserve the species. Photo credit: Lincoln Park Zoo.

To learn more about the African penguin chick, visit the Lincoln Park Zoo website.

For more information about African penguins, see our article, African Penguin.

CUTE! Lion Cubs at Dubbo Zoo

Posted on September 29, 2025 by admin

Visitors can now see a trio of seven month old lion cubs at the Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo, Australia. Photo credit: Jen Hoar, Taronga Western Plains Zoo.

Visitors to Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo, Australia can now see a new trio of lion cubs running, jumping and playing within their three-hectare lion habitat.

Seven-month-old cubs, Kaari, Mzuri and Nguvu, recently joined a pride of nine lions. And a special safari truck takes visitors within the habitat to see the lions in action.

Safari truck within the lion habitat with lion cubs in foreground

A safari truck brings visitors within the large lion habitat so they can see the cubs in action. Photo credit: Jen Hoar, Taronga Western Plains Zoo.

The three cubs join a pride of nine lions at the lion habitat. Photo by Jen Hoar, Taronga Western Plains Zoo.

According to Senior Keeper Mel Friedman, “The larger habitat is a whole new world for our cubs to explore.

“They’re busy rolling around and climbing trees, chasing dad and their sisters and just having an amazing time out there – they must be exhausted by the end of each day.”

For more information about the cubs, visit the Taronga Western Plains Zoo website.

To learn more about lions, see our Lion Facts page.

Baby Koala Receives Life-Saving Care at Taronga Wildlife Hospital

Posted on May 7, 2025 by admin

Koala joey at Taronga Western Plains Zoo

A koala joey named Hank received life-saving care at the Taronga Wildlife Hospital in Dubbo, Australia. Photo by Taronga Western Plains Zoo.

The Taronga Wildlife Hospital in Dubbo, Australia provided life-saving care to a sick koala joey, named Hank.

When Hank arrived at the hospital in January, he was dehydrated and lethargic. Veterinary staff provided 24-hour intensive care for weeks, giving him IV fluids, medication and a special milk diet. Now Hank is thriving.

Koala joey receiving veterinary care at Taronga Western Plains Zoo

Veterinary staff provided 24-hour intensive care for weeks to Hank. Photo by Taronga Western Plains Zoo.

Taronga Western Plains Zoo veterinary staff providing care to a sick koala joey.

The veterinary team gave Hank IV fluids, medication and a special milk diet when he first arrived into their care. Photo by Taronga Western Plains Zoo.

“After being in round-the-clock care the past few months, coming home with me at night and being at the Wildlife Hospital during the day, Hank has now been weaned and is adjusting to his leaf only diet,” said Taronga Western Plains Zoo’s Senior Veterinary Nurse, Jodie Lardner-Smith.

Hank is currently living at the wildlife hospital. But he will be introduced to other koalas in a rehabilitation enclosure so he can learn necessary koala life skills. This will prepare him for his eventual return to the wild.

Hank is now thriving thanks to the care he received at Taronga Wildlife Hospital. Photo by Rick Stevens.

Hank is one of the 700 sick, injured or orphaned native animals cared for by the Taronga Wildlife Hospital Dubbo every year. To help even more animals, Taronga is building another wildlife hospital in Sydney. Visit the Taronga website for more information.

To learn more about koalas, see our koala facts page.

Baby Penguins at Brookfield Zoo Chicago

Posted on April 9, 2025 by admin

Humboldt penguin chicks at Brookfield Zoo in Chicago

Brookfield Zoo in Chicago welcomed a fuzzy pair of Humboldt penguin chicks on January 28 and January 31.

The chicks were born to parents Cara and Popero. Animal care experts at the zoo incubated the eggs. After they hatched, one chick was raised by the parents, and the other chick was reared by foster parents Patty and Valentino.

Penguin pals! The pair will join 30 other Humboldt penguins in the Brookfield Zoo’s colony in June. Photo © Brookfield Zoo Chicago.

Humboldt penguins are native to the western coastline of South America near Peru and Chile. They are considered vulnerable of extinction by the IUCN Red List.

Researchers estimate the wild population to be under 24,000. Brookfield Zoo Chicago has led a conservation program at Punta San Juan for nearly 20 years to help bolster the population.

To learn more, visit the Brookfield Zoo Chicago website.