The Fort Worth Zoo, a beacon of wildlife conservation and family fun, recently heralded an adorable new addition to their family – a baby mandrill named Ruby. This momentous occasion marks the first mandrill birth at the zoo in an impressive span of nearly three decades, making Ruby a special celebration of life and conservation.
Born on January 11, 2024, Ruby is the offspring of Scarlett and J.J., the proud mandrill parents. The choice of her name, Ruby, is a heartfelt tribute to her mother, Scarlett, symbolizing the preciousness of this new life. Observers note that Ruby and Scarlett have quickly established a strong, healthy bond. Ruby, ever so clingy to her mother, demonstrates the natural instincts and closeness shared between mother and offspring in the wild. Despite not being weighed or measured yet due to her constant close contact with Scarlett, zookeepers estimate Ruby’s weight to be around the delightful size of a pineapple, or roughly 2 pounds.
Ruby’s arrival is a significant event for the Fort Worth Zoo, marking only the third mandrill birth in its history, with the previous ones occurring in 1992 and 1995. Her birth is not just a cause for celebration but also a pivotal moment for conservation efforts. Mandrills are classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), facing threats from habitat destruction and illegal hunting in their native West-Central Africa. Ruby represents a hopeful step towards ensuring a genetically diverse and healthy population of mandrills in U.S. zoos, contributing to the preservation of this magnificent species for generations to come.
Visitors to the zoo’s World of Primates habitat can now see Ruby, likely nestled in the comforting embrace of her mother, as they explore their surroundings. Her presence is a beautiful reminder of the zoo’s commitment to wildlife conservation and the joy that new life brings.
As a shining example of the wonders of nature and the importance of conservation efforts, Ruby’s birth is a story that warms the heart. We invite you to witness this marvel and support the ongoing efforts to protect and celebrate our planet’s incredible biodiversity. For more information and to plan your visit to see Ruby and her zoo family, click here to connect with the Fort Worth Zoo. Let’s celebrate the wonders of wildlife together!
Hey TexasZoos.com family! We’ve got some roaring good news to share straight from the Fort Worth Zoo. 🦁
Guess what? The zoo family has a new, adorable member – a male lion cub, the first to be born there since 2015! This little guy entered the world on October 20, 2023, at 5:37 p.m., making proud parents out of Saba and Jabulani. They’ve named him Moja, which means “one” in Swahili – quite fitting for Saba’s first cub!
Moja’s been a bit of a behind-the-scenes star, spending the past few months bonding with Mom and getting all the care he needs from the devoted keepers. It’s amazing to see how much he’s grown. From a tiny 2.7 pounds at just four days old, he now weighs a whopping 16 pounds! He’s already showing off his lion skills, playfully nibbling at mom and exploring his den.
Saba is rocking her role as a first-time mom, ensuring Moja gets all the love, play, and care a little lion needs. And while Moja hasn’t yet met his dad Jabulani or Abagabe, the other adult female, those family introductions are on the horizon.
Video: Fort Worth Zoo
Here’s a cool fact: The Fort Worth Zoo is part of a vital breeding program that’s all about keeping the lion population thriving and genetically diverse. Moja’s birth is a big win for conservation, especially since African lions are considered a vulnerable species.
Now, you must be wondering when you can see this bundle of fur. Well, Moja’s still prepping for his big debut in the zoo’s Predators of Asia & Africa habitat. The zoo team is making sure he’s ready to handle the new environment, including those tricky water features. Keep your eyes peeled on the Zoo’s social media and website for updates, photos, and the much-anticipated announcement of his public debut.
Can’t wait to catch a glimpse of Moja? Plan your visit to the Fort Worth Zoo and experience the wonder yourself. For all things related to Texas zoos and aquariums, remember to stay tuned to TexasZoos.com. Let’s support our local zoos and meet our new furry friend, Moja! 🐾
Celebrating the First Babirusa Birth at San Antonio Zoo
As the vibrant state of Texas ushers in a new year full of hope and excitement, we at TexasZoos.com are elated to share a heartwarming story from San Antonio Zoo. The zoo, a jewel in Texas’ wildlife conservation efforts, has achieved a significant milestone with the birth of its first babirusa, a unique and vulnerable species.
Babirusas, with their distinctive curved tusks and intriguing appearance, have been a part of San Antonio Zoo’s diverse animal collection since 1998. Native to Indonesia’s tropical forests, these animals are recognized as vulnerable by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The zoo’s achievement in successfully breeding babirusas contributes significantly to the global efforts in preserving this unique species.
Tim Morrow, President & CEO of San Antonio Zoo, expressed his joy over this special addition, remarking on the babirusa’s unconventional charm that has already started to captivate hearts. The zoo’s dedicated team has showcased exceptional skill and care, especially in aiding first-time mother Sula, in ensuring the health and safety of the newborn.
Kreacher
Sula
This birth is more than just a new life; it symbolizes San Antonio Zoo’s unwavering dedication to animal conservation and education. The successful delivery of this babirusa is a beacon of hope and a testament to the zoo’s expertise in wildlife care and preservation.
For now, the zoo’s priority remains the well-being of the mother and her baby. As they bond and the little one grows stronger, the zoo promises regular updates on their progress, including the much-anticipated public debut. These updates can be followed on San Antonio Zoo’s social media channels.
We at TexasZoos.com invite you to join us in celebrating this momentous occasion. Stay tuned for more updates on this adorable babirusa and other exciting happenings at the San Antonio Zoo in 2024. Together, let’s support and cherish the incredible wildlife diversity our Texas zoos work tirelessly to protect.
Hello, fellow Indiana Zoo enthusiasts and animal lovers! We are overjoyed to introduce you to a history-making arrival at the Indianapolis Zoo. This isn’t just any ordinary news — we’re celebrating the birth of a beautiful male African elephant calf, born to the...
