Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Announces the Birth of a Wolf's Guenon

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo announced the birth of a Wolf's guenon (Cercopithecus wolfi wolfi) born August 5, 2006. This is the second birth for mother Brie and father Eddie. The young primate joins older brother Gouda who turned two in May.

Wolf's guenons can be found in Africa in the lowland forests of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. They are generally dark gray in color with a reddish saddle on the back, white or yellow on the underside and brownish-red on the hindquarters. Their ears are tufted and usually edged in yellow. Their diet consists of fruit, leaves, insects and nectar. Because they feed on nectar, Wolf's guenons are considered pollinators of certain trees.

Twelve-year-old Brie is on loan from Zoo de La Palmyre in France, while eight-year-old Eddie is on loan from the Bronx Zoo in New York. They are the first Wolf's guenons ever exhibited in Cleveland. Both mother and baby are doing well and are on exhibit with the rest of the troop in the Zoo's Primate, Cat & Aquatics Building. The sex of the baby has yet to be determined.

The birth was recommended by a Species Survival Plan (SSP) and is significant as there are currently only 28 Wolf's guenons in North American zoos.

Bouncing Baby Bontebok

There's a new kid on the block as a female bontebok (Damaliscus pygargus dorcas) calf was born on June 18, 2006. The calf's parents are first-time mother Priscilla and father Buddy.

The bontebok is a member of the antelope family and is native to South Africa. Bonteboks are rare in captivity and this birth is significant as there are currently only 70 animals (25 males and 45 females) in AZA-accredited zoos.

The young calf is becoming accustomed to her surroundings and will soon join the other animals in the Zoo's African Savanna including Masai giraffes, Grant's zebras, slender-horned gazelles and Thompson's gazelles.

Let's Hear It For The Boy

The Zoo's herd of reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) grew to eight as a male calf was born on June 10, 2006. The calf, Roland, joined his mother, Kirsten, and six other females in Northern Trek.

The young calf spends most of his time close to his mother and will nurse for up to six months. During his first year of life, he will begin to grow small, straight antlers known as "spikes."

A feature unique to reindeer is the loud clicking sound made when they walk. The sound is a result of a tendon slipping over a bone in the reindeer's foot.

Third Orangutan Born: This Boy Only Wears Orange - Fur, that is

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo welcomed the birth of a male Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus pygmaeus) on April 11, 2006. The new baby, Daniel, was born to 19-year-old mother Kayla and 20-year-old father Tiram, and is only the third orangutan ever born at the Zoo. He joins a troop that includes five-year-old sister Kitra, seven-year-old “adopted” sister Kera and adult female Chiquita. They make their home in the domed orangutan exhibit on the second floor of The RainForest.

Daniel's birth was no accident. The Species Survival Plan (SSP) of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) scientifically matched his parents. The SSP strives to perpetuate a long-term genetically diverse orangutan population through carefully managed breeding. The Bornean orangutan is considered endangered due primarily to habitat loss, and is one of the species managed by the SSP.

The orangutan is the largest tree-dwelling mammal and the only great ape living in Asia. Orangutan mothers may care for their young up to eight years, longer than any other primate except humans.

Second Female Giraffe Born - Brings total number of giraffes born in 2005 to three

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo received an early Christmas gift when a female Masai giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis tippelskirchi) was born on December 7, 2005. This six-foot-tall baby is the third giraffe born at the Zoo since August. The baby, named "Jhasmin" can be seen through the African Savanna barn's public viewing windows along with her mother Nova, father Walker and adult female herd mates Bridgit and Lindi. Jhasmin joins her half-brother, Mac, who was born August 11, 2005, and half-sister, Shirley, who was born October 26, 2005.

Jhasmin is the seventh offspring for Nova, age 23 years, and the 10 th for Walker, age 12 years. Nova's pregnancy lasted more than one year, which is normal since a giraffe's gestation period is between 15 and 20 months. A giraffe calf is born with the mother standing, and undergoes a six-foot drop as its introduction to the world. Within an hour after Jhasmin was born, she was able to walk and take milk from her mother. Jhasmin is already over six feet tall and will grow to an average height of 16 to 18 feet and weight of 3,000 pounds.

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo has one of the largest Masai giraffe herds in North America with five females and two males. Currently about 50 Masai giraffes live in North America.

Female Giraffe Born

A female Masai giraffe was born on October 26, 2005 and boosts the Zoo's growing herd of giraffes to six.

The baby, named "Shirley," is on exhibit in the Zoo's African Savanna with mother Lindi, father Walker and adult female herd mates Bridgit and Nova. This year has been a particularly fertile one at the Zoo. Shirley also joins her half-brother, Mac, who was born August 11, 2005 to Bridgit and Walker. Shirley is the sixth offspring for Lindi, age 20 years, and the ninth for Walker, age 12 years. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo has one of the largest Masai giraffe herds in North America with four females and two males. There are currently about 50 Masai giraffes in North America.

Pachyderms Smash Pumpkins - see video here!

On Wednesday, October 19, 2005, WKYC Channel 3 visited the Zoo's three African elephants -- Jo, Martika, and Moshi – who celebrated the upcoming Boo at the Zoo with a Pumpkin Smash. Here's how it works: roll large pumpkins into the exhibit area, add interested elephants, and stand back as they stomp, smash and sample the Halloween squash.

Watch the fun on the WKYC website.

Reaching New Heights - Baby Masai Giraffe Born

Have you herd? A male Masai giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis tippelskirchi) was born August 11, 2005 at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. The baby, named "Mac," is on exhibit in the Zoo's African Savanna with mother Bridgit, father Walker and adult female herdmates Nova and Lindi. Bridgit's pregnancy lasted over a year, which is normal since a giraffe's gestation period is between 14 and 15 months. She gave birth off exhibit in the African Savanna barn, and the new baby is already over 6 feet tall. When fully grown, a male Masai giraffe is the tallest animal on earth, standing an average of 16 to 18 feet tall. Bridgit was born at the Zoo in 1993. This is her third offspring, and her first baby boy.

The Masai giraffe is a sub-species of giraffe found in Kenya and Tanzania. It has a distinct, densely patterned coat. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo has one of the largest herds in North America, with three females and two males. Currently there are only about 50 Masai giraffes in North America.

It's a Pouncing Baby Boy

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is proud to announce the birth of a male snow leopard (Uncia uncia). Born June 9, 2005 to first time parents, seven-year-old Olga and eleven-year-old Boy, this is the first snow leopard cub born at the Zoo since 1997.

The cub, named Panja, made his public debut on August 16, 2005, exploring his air-conditioned indoor exhibit. He began to venture into his outdoor exhibit on October 12, 2005 and is on exhibit daily with his mother in the Zoo's Primate, Cat and Aquatics Building.

Learn more about the Zoo's snow leopards

Bringing Up Babies at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo 2005

The Zoo is buzzing with excitement over the arrival of new Zoo babies. Now is a great time to see the recently born spring babies and learn about their unique animal families.

One of the most anticipated births was that of the new white-lipped deer fawn. Also called a Thorold's deer (Cervus albirostris) , this is the first fawn at the Zoo since 1999. The female baby was born May 29 to mother Betty and father Dino. White-lipped deer can weigh up to 500 pounds when fully grown and are found in China and Tibet. Find the fawn and her family at the Zoo in Northern Trek.

On the African Savanna, two Grant's zebra foals (Equus burchelli) will soon romp with their herd mates. On May 10, 2005 a female zebra (also called a filly) was born to mother Chioria (ki-OR-ee-ah). A second foal, a male, was born to mother Zipper on May 30. Carl, the Zoo's zebra stallion, leads the herd and fathered both foals.

In the Pachyderm Building, keep your eyes pealed for the warthog piglet (Phacochoerus aethiopicus) , born May 23, 2005. This is the second baby born to mother Andee and father Dug. Warthogs are found in Africa, south of the Sahara. While searching for food, they kneel and shuffle about on their wrists, which are calloused to prevent abrasions.

Take a journey to the Primate, Cat and Aquatics Building to see the new swingers in town - four baby red ruffed lemurs (Lemur variegatus rubra) born May 12, 2005. These brightly colored primates are found only in the rain forests of Madagascar. Females form the core of the lemur group and defend the territory. They give birth in nests where the babies stay and grow until they are old enough to set off on their own. The quadruplets have just started to venture outside their nest.

Three small-clawed otter pups (Aonyx cinerea), all female, were born April 14, 2005 but are not yet on exhibit. Unlike some Zoo babies that mature quickly, these pups do not open their eyes for up to 40 days after birth. They will be on exhibit in The RainForest with mother Carol Lee and father Taylor soon.

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo carefully plans and manages the breeding of all its animals. Preparations are made far in advance for the extended care, feeding and housing of the adult animals that our Zoo babies eventually become. The Zoo, an accredited member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), works with other AZA accredited zoos to plan future generations of zoo animals, ensuring a healthy and genetically diverse captive population.

Deer Me! Wobbly-Legged Baby Reindeer Steps Out

It's "reining" reindeer at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Angelina, a female reindeer calf (Rangifer tarandus) born April 19 to mother Olivia, was one of the first babies of the season. Her keeper says that Angelina is a very adventurous and active youngster. Another female reindeer calf followed on May 23 to mother Melissa. In the Zoo as in the wild, a single male reindeer leads a group of females. Both baby reindeer have the same father - Big Boy. The Zoo's herd of reindeer can be found in Northern Trek.

Six-year-old Olivia and Big Boy are a May-December romance. At age 12, Big Boy is quite an old fellow considering that most of his species live to be eight years old. Reindeer, called caribou in most parts of the world, are social animals that live in herds. In spring, pregnant cows give birth to a single calf. Newborns can walk within an hour and in a few days they can outrun a person.

Screaming Hairy Armadillo Babies

Two screaming hairy armadillos (Chaetophractus vellerosus) imported from Bolivia this past March have given birth at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. One male and one female were born on September 18, 2004 and will be on exhibit in The RainForest.

Since little is known about this species, Zoo keeper Scott Parish is literally ";writing the book" on screaming hairy armadillo care. By recording behavioral and developmental milestones, such as gestation period (72 days) and when the young opened their eyes (25 days), Parrish is creating a husbandry manual to share with other zoos as the captive population expands. Currently, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is one of only two zoos in the United States exhibiting screaming hairy armadillos.

Hippo Birthday to You
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo's Nile Hippo is 50

Reaching the half-century mark is quite an accomplishment -- just ask a baby-boomer. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo's male Nile hippo also shares that distinction. "Blackie"arrived at the Zoo 49 years ago as a wild-born one-year old.

On Thursday, October 21, 2004 at 11:00 a.m., instead of serving birthday cake, zookeepers floated pumpkins in Blackie’s pool so he could bob for apples, hippo-style. Zoo visitors stopped by for some human-style birthday cake.

Native to the rivers of central Africa, a Nile hippo can remain submerged for 20 minutes at a time. Adults weigh up to 3-tons and their lifespan averages 30-40 years in the wild. Here since 1955, Blackie is one of the oldest hippos in a U.S. zoo.

Small Clawed Otter Pups Now On Exhibit

Visit The RainForest, where two baby Asian small-clawed otters were born on September 4, 2004. Li and Wasabi will soon be on exhibit with their parents, Tayler and Carol Lee.

Both parents have a Cleveland connection: Taylor was one of four otters born at the Zoo in July 2002. Carol Lee's mother, Flower, was one of the first otters born in The RainForest. The birth of their offspring is a perfect example of the Zoo's successful otter breeding program.

Four Fossas Born

Cat, dog or a bit of both? Identifying the species of these four babies could confound even the most avid animal enthusiast. They are fossas (pronounced FOOS-ahs) and four of them were born at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo in June 2004. This is a first for the Zoo and one of only two reported births in zoos around the world this year.

fter a few months of privacy to ensure the best possible start for these rare fossa kits, the family is finally ready for company at the Primate Cat & Aquatics Building. Fossas are members of the viverid family, an ancient line of carnivores that predates cats and dogs. Native to Madagascar, there are fewer than 70 fossas are found in zoos, world-wide.

The Zoo's two male and two female fossa kits are the results of a successful pairing between 5-year old father, "Jack," here on breeding loan from San Antonio Zoo, and a 5-year old mother named - what else? - "Jill." Most U.S. fossas were related to Jack so the Zoo worked with the European Endangered Species Program (EEP) to acquire Jill from Suffolk, England in order to broaden the genetic base for this rare species.

Adult fossas only weigh about 25 pounds but some biologists have said these animals are "pound for pound, the most most vicious carnivores in nature." Come see for yourself.

It's a First!

A baby Wolf's guenon (gwen-on) was born May 31, 2004, and is now on exhibit with parents Brie and Eddie. These unique and colorful primates are native to Congo and Uganda. The baby's sex is still unknown, but visitors can see the family on exhibit between the Hamadryads baboons and the chimpanzees. These are the first Wolf's guenons ever exhibited at this Zoo. Only 18 Wolf's guenons reside at three other zoos in the U.S., making breeding success of this pair very important.

Now at Primate Cat & Aquatics

A freshwater spotted stingray was born - yes a live birth, not hatched - in June 2004. The youngster (called a pup) is currently off exhibit to make sure it receives all the care it needs. As soon as the pup is big enough, it will be on exhibit with its parents in the freshwater Amazon tank.

Baby Warthog

This little piglet is prettier than you'd expect. A warthog was born on April 23, 2004 to first-time mom, Andee and dad, Dug. The youngster's gender is still unknown.

Although warthogs have been dubbed "world's ugliest pig", visitors can judge for themselves. The warthog family has not yet ventured into their outdoor area but are on exhibit inside the Zoo's Pachyderm Building.

Warthogs are found in Africa, south of the Sahara. They can weigh up to 200 pounds - a barrel-shaped body on thin, spindly legs - and are surprising speedy. They dodge predators like lions or hyenas by running away at speeds of up to 35 miles per hour. Male warthogs use their four tusks to spar during mating season. The fleshy, wart-like bumps covering the male's head (hence the name) may cushion the blows.

Rare, Endangered and Definitely Weird
A New Armadillo Species

A pair of hairy armadillos (Chaetophractus villosus) imported from South America now reside at the Zoo's Primate Cat & Aquatics Building and at The RainForest. Armadillos are odd creatures, but this species take the cake. Unlike the wide bands of armor protecting other armadillo species, hairy armadillos sport eighteen narrow strips of armor with bristly hairs sprouting between each strip.

This is a new species for Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. The Zoo's two breeding pairs of hairy armadillos represent half of the entire population in North American zoos. Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo also has 4 hairy armadillos and both zoos will establish a new breeding program for these unusual mammals.

Hairy armadillos are found in Bolivia, Paraguay and Argentina. Babies weigh about 5 ounces and are born with soft, leathery skin that hardens with age. Adults weigh about 4 pounds. These creatures feed on a variety of insects, snakes and plants. To escape predators, armadillos use sharp claws to burrow into the ground or curl up in their protective armor.

New Baby Rhino - Zoo's Second Rhino Birth

Inge (pronounced Ing' ah), Cleveland Metroparks Zoo's black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis michaeli), delivered a female calf on Saturday, August 2, 2003. The youngster arrived at 2:45 p.m. She was standing by 3:07 p.m., and figured out how to take her first steps minutes later. The baby weighed 106 pounds at birth and is expected to gain 30 pounds per month. (On March 27, 2004, she weighed 827 pounds.) She was recently named "Kibibi,"a Swahili name which means "little lady."

Inge's first baby, Azizi, a female born 3 years ago, now tips the scales at 2400 pounds. These are the Zoo's only rhino births and the second birth is every bit as exciting and important as the first. Only one other birth of this sub-specie has been reported in North American zoos in 2003.

Big & Tall - Baby Giraffe Born

A female Masai giraffe was born on Wednesday, August 6, 2003. Talk about a rude awakening - giraffe mothers give birth standing up, so the baby took her first breaths after a 6-foot drop to the floor of the Zoo's African Savanna barn. The calf is approximately 6 feet tall and already weighs a whopping 150 pounds. This is the fifth offspring for wild-born mother Nova, age 20 years, and father Walker, age 9 years.

Masai giraffes are the tallest animals on earth, standing an average of 16 to 18 feet tall when fully grown. There are only about 50 Masai giraffes in North American zoos. Nova's offspring are important additions to this small population because they carry genes from an underrepresented bloodline. At right, the Zoo's veterinarian and zookeepers giving the baby her first healthcheck.

Yikes Stripes!

A Grant's zebra (Equus burchelli) was born August 10, 2003. Every zebra has a unique pattern, just like a human's fingerprints. Zebras can recognize individuals by their pattern so that herds can stick together. And in case you're wondering, zebras are black with white stripes.

Rare Deer Species Born

A female tufted deer (Elaphodus cephalophus cephalophus) was born July 9, 2003 and is now on exhibit with mother and father in Northern Trek. Tufted deer were first exhibited in the western hemisphere less than 20 years ago. These extremely rare creatures are native to the mountains of central China.

Tufted deer fawns are born with spots along the midline of the back, which mature to a dark brown coat with pale markings on the head. An adult male measures approximately two feet at the shoulder and weighs about 100 pounds. The male's small antlers are obscured by a crown tuft of hair from which the animals get their name. This is one of 7 reported births in North American zoos in 2003.

Pallas' Cat - What's That?

Pallas' cats are so elusive, even people living in their native range from Tibet to Siberia, have rarely seen them. But Cleveland Metroparks Zoo visitors can now see these rare cats at the Primate Cat & Aquatics Building

Meet Natasha (left) and Igor, who arrived from the Birmingham Zoo in 2003. These cats were paired by the American Zoo & Aquarium Association's Species Survival Plan. Zookeepers hope to hear the pitterpatter of kitty feet in the future.

Pallas's Cats are a hefty version of a domestic house cat - approximately 6-11 pounds, stocky build, short legs. However, these cats have low-set ears and very thick, silvery frosted fur which comes in handy in Siberia. Pallas' cat populations are dwindling because hunters prize their gorgeous pelts.

New Primate Species - Wolf's Guenons

She's sophisticated, stylish, obviously French. He's a regular guy from the Bronx. But primate specialists from around the world are hoping Cleveland Metroparks Zoo's rare pair of Wolf's guenons (gwen-ons) are the perfect match.

"Brie", an 8-year old female from La Palmyra Zoo in France and "Eddie", a 4-year old male from the Bronx Zoo are the first Wolf's guenons ever exhibited at this Zoo. Native to Congo and Uganda, only 18 Wolf's guenons reside at three other zoos in the U.S. making breeding success of this pair very important.

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is home to 41 primate species, from the smallest marmoset to the hefty gorilla. This is the largest collection of primate species in North America.

Head Over Heels In Love?

So says a Zoo's docent about the Surinam toads in The RainForest. This primitive toad is very flat, looking a little like road kill, and is usually submerged, motionless, with arms and legs spread wide. Not only are these toads odd looking, their reproductive method is very unusual. After eggs are layed, the female somersaults to place them on her back, repeating the process until the eggs are evenly deposited. At the same time, the male somersaults with the female to fertilize the eggs. The fertilized eggs metamorphose in separate 'back pockets' until fully formed baby toads emerge. So far, twenty toads have emerged and are being raised in a separate tank so they don't become the adult toads' food.

Four Independent Otters Frolic at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

You "otter" see who's new at the Zoo. Just in time for Independence Day, four baby Asian small-clawed otters (Aonyx cinerea), born April 20th, 2002 make their debut in The RainForest’s otter exhibit. The young are offspring of "Saki", a two-year old male, and "Sushi", a 5-year old female, both recently imported from Japan. This very important breeding pair represents a new bloodline for the American Zoo and Aquarium Species Survival Plan. Asian small-clawed otters are considered threatened due to hunting, habitat encroachment and pollution of their river habitats.

Young otters do not open their eyes until about 40 days old, and they first swim at nine weeks. Of the 13 species of otter, the Asian small -clawed otter is the smallest. Their front feet are unusually hand-like, only partially webbed with small fingernails used for probing in the mud and under stones for food. Otters are a good indicator as to the health of the water system they inhabit; a healthy otter population indicates a heathy water system.

Dasha And Danya - Siberian Tigers Turn One!

• Meet the Cubs
• Meet the Parents
• Photo Gallery

First Rhino Ever Born at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

• Meet the Zoo's 1st Baby Rhino, Azizi
• Learn about black rhinos
• How can I get involved?