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Cute Alert
Check out some of our newest
Toronto Zoo family members
Cheetah Cubs
September 28th, 2009
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Mom Mya has her hands full 24-7 with the birth of three cubs on September 28th, 2009. Dad Raffiki, who remains separate for the time being, doesn't know quite what to make of the three hyperactive balls of spotted fur. The cubs are being carefully nurtured by Mom and Animal Care staff, in an area of the Zoo not accessible to the public and used primarily for breeding, until they are strong enough to go on display in the Africa Savanna. While stoically fending off play attacks, Mya continues to keep a close eye on her babies. Cheetahs are endangered in the wild, so the birth of these little ones is very important. You'll be able to see the cubs in the spring of 2010!
 Cheetah fact sheet |
BABY GORILLA
September 2nd, 2009
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Our baby gorilla, in the African Rainforest Pavilion, is carried around gently by his Mom Ngozi. Little Nassir, named by his Dad Charles, our adult male silverback, was born on September 2nd, 2009. The Zoo held a naming contest and Charles picked the name by lumbering over to the bucket, one of five each bearing a finalist name, that bore a sign saying Nassir - and incidentally some delicious fresh fruit. Zoo staff are delighted with the birth, since Mom Ngozi was brought to Toronto especially to breed with Charles and Western Lowland gorillas are an endangered species. Nassir is very important genetically to the North American Western Lowland gorilla population.
For more information on Western Lowland gorillas, click here. (Please link to gorilla fact sheet and also a link to the Year of the Gorilla page).
Year of the Gorilla
Western Lowland gorilla fact sheet |
Przewalski's horse
August 31st, 2009
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In our Eurasia Excursion section, a new baby Przewalski's horse is kicking up its heels! Born on August 31st, our new addition is closely watched by Mom Alicia. This is her first colt born here and the fifth born here for Dad Phoenix. These tawny horses from Central Asia were once extinct in the wild, but have now been returned to their native habitat in protected reserves. A total of five have been born here and we're real proud!
Przewalski's horse fact sheet |
Tur
June 6th, 2009
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Even Googling this one won't produce much info. Put "West Caucasian" in front of it and you'll get some answers. Our female tur baby, Snory, was born on June 6th, 2009. His Mom won't hesitate to defend her with her horns and she'll be mature in about a year. Watch Snory cavorting on her man-made mountain in the Eurasian Section.
West Caucasian tur fact sheet |
Mouflon
June 3rd, 2009
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Skill testing question - what's a "mouflon"? If you're thinking sheep, you're on the right track. Mouflon are actually Europe's only true wild sheep species. They're a small but handsome sheep led by females. Baby Penelope was born on June 2nd and baby Peter came along on June 3rd. Catch them tearing up and down their mouflon mountain in the Eurasia Section.
Mouflon fact sheet |
Naked Molerats
May 22nd, 2009
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These cigar-shaped, blind, hairless creatures with the buck-teeth aren't winning any beauty awards, but there's something endearing about them as they snuggle together in a chamber of their plexiglas tunnel. Check out these unusual creatures in the African Rainforest Pavilion.
Naked mole-rat fact sheet |
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Snow Leopard Cubs
May 15th, 2009
Cute takes on a whole new meaning as you look at these adorable cats with the little spotted faces and big clumsy paws. The cubs were born on May 15th, 2009, and are still getting used to their exhibit space with Mom Tiga. Snow leopards are critically endangered in the wild but 30 cubs have been born here at the Toronto Zoo. These beautiful cats are masterfully adapted to Arctic conditions with their long tails and thick fur. Admire our playful pair in the Zoo's Eurasia Section.
Snow Leopard fact sheet |
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Gaur
April 12th, 2009
A baby male gaur was recently born at the Toronto Zoo. This baby gaur will grow as tall as six feet and weigh more than two thousand pounds. Gaurs are the only wild ox known not to attack frontally with its horns. When attack is necessary, a gaur approaches its opponent broadside. Make sure to visit our new addition at the Indo-Malaya Pavilion outdoor exhibits.
Gaur fact sheet |
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Sable antelope
March 31st, 2009
Cute and cuddly alright, this baby sable antelope will grow up to become one of Africa’s formidable and prized savanna animals. A male, he will stand nearly five feet tall at the shoulder, weigh up to 500 pounds and carry a handsome pair of scimitar-shaped horns. Sable antelopes travel in herds, consisting of one male and 10-20 females and offspring. They always run in a bunch, never single file. Because of their size, they have few enemies. Check out this mighty addition at the Africa Savanna.
Sable antelope fact sheet |
Common marmosets
January 27th, 2009
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Twins are common in this species, and ours arrived on January 27th, 2009. These attractive little New World monkeys with the “little old man” faces live in groups of up to 15 individuals and when babies are born, everyone pitches in to help. See our group in the Americas Pavilion.
Common marmosets fact sheet |
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American flamingo
January 24th, 2009
These two knock-kneed cuties were born in September, 2008. To accommodate the eggs, their parents built huge nests made of mud and then sat on the eggs for about a month. Flamingos live in big, gregarious colonies of thousands of individuals but parents can always pick out their own chicks. Drop by the Maya temple for a look at these colourful little ones.
American flamingo fact sheet |
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Mandrill
December 2nd, 2008
Little “Mohawk”, named after the way the fur on her head has arranged itself, is the apple of the eye of Zoo staff and visitors. She was born on December 2, 2008 and has been enchanting onlookers ever since then with her huge quizzical eyes. Check her out with Mom Annette in the African Rainforest Pavilion.
Mandrill fact sheet |
Central bearded dragon
December 24th, 2008
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Our two Aussie dragons hatched in the Australasia Pavilion on December 24, 2008, emerging from thick papery egg cases. As adults, they will grow to be two feet long with their tails accounting for half the length. These insect eating lizards make a hissing sound when threatened and display their beards. Check ours out in the Australasia Pavilion.
Central bearded dragon fact sheet |
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