Baby Animals Archives - Animal Fact Guide

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!

PHOTOS: Baby Giraffe at Taronga Western Plains Zoo

Posted on September 5, 2024 by admin

Giraffe calf at Taronga Western Plains Zoo

A baby giraffe was born at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in August. Photo by Taronga Western Plains Zoo.

Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo, Australia has welcomed a new leggy arrival. A male giraffe calf was born on August 23 to mother Mvita. He was born mid-afternoon and by 5:30pm he was standing and nursing from his mother.

According to keeper Ruby Cullen, “The calf has this week ventured out with mum onto the paddock with the herd, including father Mtoto. The calf is settling in very well.”

Baby giraffe at Taronga Western Plains Zoo

The giraffe calf exploring the paddock with the rest of the herd. Photo by Taronga Western Plains Zoo.

The male giraffe calf was born on August 23 to mother Mvita. Photo by Taronga Western Plains Zoo.

To learn more about the new giraffe calf, visit the Taronga Western Plains Zoo website.

For more information about giraffes, see our Giraffe article.

PHOTOS: Baby Monkeys at San Diego Zoo

Posted on January 23, 2024 by admin

Baby squirrel monkeys at the San Diego Zoo. Photo credit: San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.

Lots of monkeying around happening at the San Diego Zoo these days! The zoo is celebrating the birth of four baby monkeys: two squirrel monkeys – one born Nov. 27 and one born Nov. 28, a Schmidt’ red-tailed monkey born Nov. 11, and a DeBrazza’s monkey born Oct. 28.

The babies and mamas are doing well, and guests to the zoo can now view them in their habitats.

For more information, visit the San Diego Zoo website.

To learn more about squirrel monkeys, see our article, Squirrel Monkey.

Baby red-tailed monkey and mama at the San Diego Zoo.

Baby Schmidt’s red-tailed monkey and mama at the San Diego Zoo. Photo credit: San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.

Baby red-tailed monkey at the San Diego Zoo.

Baby Schmidt’s red-tailed monkey at the San Diego Zoo. Photo credit: San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.

Baby DeBrazza’s monkey and mama at the San Diego Zoo. Photo credit: San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.

Seeing Double: Two Baby Giraffes Born at Taronga Western Plains Zoo

Posted on August 24, 2017 by admin

Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo, Australia is doubly pleased to announce the birth of two baby giraffes- born just one week apart!

The first calf has been named Zuberi, which means “strong” in Swahili. He was born in the exhibit around noon on August 8.

Giraffe calf and his mother at Taronga Western Plains Zoo

Photo courtesy of Taronga Western Plains Zoo.

According to zookeeper Pascale Benoit, “It was a smooth delivery and was followed by a number of giraffes in the herd getting up close to meet the new calf within moments of its arrival. They were a great support for experienced mother, Asmara, helping her to lick her new calf and encouraging him to stand.”

The second calf arrived on August 15 in the middle of the night. He has been named Kibo, which means “the highest”.

Photo courtesy of Taronga Western Plains Zoo.

“Both pairs of mother and calf are doing very well, and have integrated nicely back into
the herd,” Pascale said.

Photo courtesy of Taronga Western Plains Zoo.

Learn more about giraffes at our giraffe facts article.

Taronga Western Plains Zoo Welcomes Cheetah Cubs

Posted on January 17, 2017 by admin

Three cheetah cubs were born to their mother, Kyan late last year at the Taronga Western Plains zoo in Australia. They are currently out of the view of the public and spending time with their mother. The zoo plans to unveil them to the public in March of this year.

PHOTOS: Lincoln Park Zoo Welcomes Baby Colobus Monkey on Christmas Day

Posted on January 6, 2017 by admin

Newborn black-and-white colobus monkey with mother Kutaka at Lincoln Park Zoo. Photo courtesy of Lincoln Park Zoo.

It was a white Christmas at the Lincoln Park Zoo as they welcomed a newborn black-and-white colobus monkey on December 25.

The baby monkey was born to 12-year old mother Kutaka and 23-year old father Keanjaha. At birth, black-and-white colobus monkeys have all white fur. The signature black markings start to appear around 3 weeks and are fully evident around 3-4 months.

“Kutaka is an extremely attentive mother,” said Curator of Primates Maureen Leahy. “We’re excited for the newest member of the multi-generational colobus troop to interact with the entire family from juvenile to geriatric members. In fact, we’ve already observed the infant’s aunt and older sister briefly carrying the new infant, a species-typical behavior called alloparenting or ‘aunting behavior.'”

The sex and measurements of the newborn are yet to be determined as the baby is clinging tight to mom. Photo courtesy of Lincoln Park Zoo.

Black-and-white colobus monkeys are one of five different species of colobus monkey. In the wild, they are native to equatorial Africa.

For more information, see the Lincoln Park Zoo website.

To learn more about colobus monkeys, see our article, Guereza Colobus Monkey.

TWO Sets of Ring-Tailed Lemur Twins Born at Taronga Western Plains Zoo

Posted on December 28, 2016 by admin

Seeing Double: Two sets of ring-tailed lemur twins were born at the Taronga Western Plains Zoo earlier this year. They will be on exhibit in the new year.

Visitors at the Taronga Western Plains Zoo can look forward to baby lemurs on public display in the new year. Two sets of ring-tailed lemur twins were born to new mothers Rakita and Cleo in October.

“So far the mothers and their babies are doing well and we are very happy with progress to date. Both mums are quite protective and are very careful of the way they move around and the speed at which they move around, ensuring their babies are holding on properly,” said zookeeper Sasha Brook.

Baby lemurs instinctively cling to their mothers, but they will gradually learn to walk, jump and climb. Photo by Rick Stevens, Taronga Western Plains Zoo.

The baby lemurs will cling to their mothers until they are about four months old. At this stage, they also start to chew on food, but they won’t be weaned from their mothers until two months old. They will gradually learn how to walk, jump, and climb within safe proximity of their mothers.

Baby lemurs mouth and chew on food at a young age, but this is not for nutritional purposes at this point. They will wean from their mothers at 2 months old. Photo by Rick Stevens, Taronga Western Plains Zoo.

For more information about the baby lemur twins, see the Taronga Western Plains Zoo website.

To learn more about lemurs, see our Ring-tailed Lemur facts article.

Peekaboo! Koala Joey Emerges from Pouch

Posted on September 12, 2016 by admin

Taronga Western Plains Zoo, located just outside of Sydney, Australia, welcomed a fresh face to their crew. A koala joey emerged from its mother’s pouch to take a look around. See photos here:

Photo by Taronga Western Plains Zoo.

Photo by Taronga Western Plains Zoo.

Baby Wallaroo Takes First Hop

Posted on August 12, 2016 by admin

First hops! A baby wallaroo emerged from its mother’s pouch recently. Photo by Oakland Zoo.

A baby wallaroo took its first hops at Oakland Zoo recently. Keepers estimate the joey was born in October-November (although it’s impossible to determine its exact birth date). The joey now comes out to graze and explore its surrounding, but hops back into its mother’s pouch for safety.

The joey feels safe and cozy back in the pouch. Photo by Oakland Zoo.