ML Interest Tag: conservation

Disney Parks Goes Green with New Reusable Shopping Bags & We Need Them All

by Shahrzad Warkentin

Shopping for souvenirs just got a little greener at Disney Parks thanks to a new line of reusable shopping bags with awesome Disney-themed prints. Guests at the Disneyland and Disney World Resorts will now have the option to tote their purchases home in a reusable shopping bag and you’re going to want all of them.

The new bags come in three different sizes and a variety of prints based on which part of the parks you’re visiting. According to the Disney Parks blog, the bags will be offered as an alternative to single-use plastic bags as part of Disney’s “commitment to conservation and advance environmental sustainability goals.”

photo: Disney Parks via YouTube

Reusable bags have actually been available at World of Disney stores since last fall. The inaugural bag is baby blue and features Mickey’s smiling face and the words World of Disney. In addition to this bag, four new prints will be available at the Disneyland Resort with one print each for Disneyland park and Disney California Adventure park, a bag for Downtown Disney District and Resort Hotels.

Shoppers at Walt Disney World will have their pick of seven new designs: a bag at each of the four theme parks, a bag for owned-and-operated shops at Disney Springs, a shared Walt Disney World Resort-inspired bag for Resort Hotels, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and other merchandise locations and the existing World of Disney bag.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

 

RELATED STORIES:

This Is What Happens When You’re Super Nice to Disney Parks Employees

Disneyland Has a Secret New Dole Whip & There’s Only 1 Spot to Get It

Zootopia Land Is Coming to Disney Parks

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Crikey! Steve Irwin’s Kids Continue His Legacy in New Animal Planet Series

by Shahrzad Warkentin

Steve Irwin’s legacy of animal conservation lives on, thanks to his wife and two kids. A new animal series, Crikey! It’s the Irwins, is set to premiere this fall, giving us all that up-close look at animal life with this animal-loving family that we’ve missed since Steve’s passing.

Terri Irwin and kids Bindi and Robert are all set to star in the new series for Animal Planet that will follow their lives as they work and live at Australia Zoo. The show will give fans a look at what daily life is like for them in their unusual home where they care for over 1,200 animals, as well as running a wildlife hospital. “It’s an amazing place to live,” Robert told PEOPLE. “Our alarm clock in the morning is the tigers roaring.”

Since Steve Irwin’s tragic death in 2006, his family has worked hard to continue his life-long conservation efforts. “We’re all about carrying on in our dad’s footsteps,” Bindi, 20, tells PEOPLE.

This won’t be the first time in front of the camera for the Irwin kids. Besides appearing on their dad’s show, The Crocodile Hunter, both kids have also hosted their own shows on Discovery Kids.

Crikey! It’s the Irwins premieres Oct. 28 at 8 p.m. Eastern on Animal Planet.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: Animal Planet via Instagram

 

RELATED STORIES:

James Van Der Beek Opens Up about Wife’s Pregnancy Loss in Powerful IG Post

John Krasinski Won’t Let “Jack Ryan” Keep Him from Being a Regular Dad

These “This Is Us” Season 3 Photos Have Us Missing Jack Like Whoa

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Summer New Must-Do: Visit the New York Aquarium

by Mimi O'Connor

Big things are happening over at the New York Aquarium. After more than a decade of planning and building (and a major setback in 2012 when the aquarium was devastated by Hurricane Sandy), the long-awaited Ocean Wonders: Sharks! is now open! The immersive and awe-inspiring exhibit brings visitors up close and personal (or “nose-to-nose”) with a stunning array of shark species, as well as scores of other underwater creatures. Plus, it’s got a major conservation message, too. We dropped by on opening day — here’s how to do the New York Aquarium with kids!

A view of Ocean Wonders: Sharks! building on the boardwalk side. photo: WCS

What’s New
The big news at the New York Aquarium is the incredible Ocean Wonders: Sharks! exhibit. A three-story, 57,500-square-foot building featuring nine galleries, the exhibit underscores the importance of sharks to the health of the world’s oceans, and educates visitors about threats to sharks and other marine wildlife, while also offering ways in which humans can make choices to protect and preserve the environment.

Expect massive displays populated with diverse sea life, as well as well-executed video, interactive media and mechanicals that help visitors understand the role of sharks in the ecosystem, as well as how they breathe, reproduce, feed, move, and more.

The Coral Reef Tunnel, photo: WCS

Sharks, Rays, and Schools
Ocean Wonders: Sharks! provides lots of opportunities to check out sharks and other sea creatures up close. (The exhibit contains an estimated 115+ species, including 12 species of shark, and six species of skates and rays in 784,000 gallons of water.)

The entrance to the exhibit is a beautiful Coral Reef Tunnel, in which sharks and schooling fish swim all around and above visitors.

The Discover New York Waters section highlights the marine ecosystems found off the coast of New York, and features a 62,000-gallon showcase of several New York shark species and numerous rays (the later of which, with their graceful, flight-like movement, are the unsung stars of this exhibit). Visitors also learn about the NY Seascape initiative that focuses on shark conservation in New York waters.

Photo: Julie Larsen Maher/WCS

On the Edge
Canyon’s Edge is another “show-stopper”: a tank that simulates the edge of the Hudson Canyon, a marine canyon similar in size and depth to the Grand Canyon that begins at the mouth of the Hudson River. (Who knew?) Large sand tiger sharks emerge from the “limitless” depths, swim close to viewers, and then recede, while rays and fish swim by. It’s a large area with lots of seating to take the impressive sight in.

Other sections include New York Seascape, an area that shows how the Wildlife Conservation Society is using tagging and tracking to save sharks and Shipwreck!,  an immersive example of the more than 60 wrecks in New York Waters that serve as places where marine life cluster.

Conservation Choices
The New York Aquarium and the WCS are serious about conservation, and the theme is not an after-thought in this razzle dazzle exhibit. In addition to being woven into the overall messaging, Ocean Wonders: Sharks! concludes with an interactive gallery dedicated to mankind’s effect on the health of the ocean and its inhabitants, and how one can make choices to improve it. (Visitors enter the area under a net filled with discarded plastic, and the section on gyres, AKA, those masses of plastic swirling in the ocean, are enough to keep you from buying bottled water ever again.) There’s also a faux diner where you can saddle up, order, and learn if your seafood is sustainable or not. (We  were distressed to learn about our salmon purchases.)

Touch Pool
To get even closer to at least some kind of sharks, check out the Touch Pool, located on the rooftop level of the Ocean Wonders: Sharks! building. Here, kids can interface with bamboo and epaulette sharks and learn more about the sea creatures. Take note: the Touch Pool is open from 10:15 a.m. – 4 p.m. and closes in inclement weather.

Beyond the Sharks
Ocean Wonders: Sharks! is a special experience, but there are plenty of other reasons to visit the New York Aquarium. The “Sea Cliffs” area of the aquarium is a collection of outdoor, separate rocky, watery habitats where sea lions, penguins, otters, and pelicans reside. Visitors can view feedings at various times throughout the day, which are accompanied by interesting but not dry info about the animals and their habits, delivered by aquarium staff.

Don’t Miss the Show
Try to hit up the entertaining 15 to 20 minute show in the Aquatheater, which features resident sea lions performing with their trainers, as well as some information on the mammal’s habits and conservation. (While there are some orchestrated moments—see sea lion hug above—it’s short and sweet and doesn’t seem exploitive. Plus the animals get lots of treats.) Plus, it’s a chance to sit down and the are misting fans keeping crowds cool.

To Take it Up a Notch
If you’re looking for a more experiential way to interface with the sharks, check out the film at the 4-D theater, dedicated to the ocean predators. (It’s 4-D thanks to 3D glasses, moving seats, effect like wind, mist, and more.) Take note: the theater is located outside the aquarium; if you leave and want to come back in to the main aquarium, be sure to get your hand stamped for re-entry.

photo: Doris M. via yelp 

What to Eat
Of course, there are standard overpriced options of snacks, drinks, Dippin’ Dots, etc., available at both stands around the aquarium, and the on-site cafeteria.

But the savvy move is at the new Shark building, which not only has a casual rooftop cafe/bar with great ocean views (Oceanview Bites), but also a restaurant, the Oceanview Grill, accessed via the boardwalk, where sustainable seafood options like fish tacos and fish and chips are served. (The building is also a no single-use plastic zone, in keeping with the conservation mission of the aquarium.)

photo: Mimi O’Connor

 

Hot Tip: Buy your tickets ahead of time online to avoid potentially soul-crushing long lines. If you do, you will be able to skip the lines and walk right in.

The Basic Info

Tickets are $24.95/adults (ages 13 and up); $19.95/ages 3-12, and $21.95 for ages 65 and over. (Kids 2 and under are free.) Note: these are “Value Admission” tickets, which can be used on select days; “Any Day Admission” tickets are $5 more.
Hours: Mon. – Thurs., 10 a.m. – 6p.m.; Fri. – Sun., 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. (last entry 1 hour before closing) 718-265-3474
Surf Ave. & W. 8th St.
Coney Island
Online: nyaquarium.com

—Mimi O’Connor

RELATED STORIES:

Best NYC Beaches You Can Get to By Subway — and They’re Free!

Let Us Spray: NYC Parks with Water to Keep Cool

Everybody In! NYC’s Best Free Outdoor Pools

 

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

An Insider’s Guide to the SF Zoo

by Nella DuBon-Koch

When was the last time you visited the San Francisco Zoo? If the question has you reminiscing of elementary-school field trips, it’s time you grabbed your mini zoologists and headed on an expedition of your own. Spend the day exploring educational exhibits, brush up on your wildlife information and have a blast at the multi-themed playground. Read on for our insider’s guide to this 100-acre wildlife conservation preserve in the middle of San Francisco.

Getting Started
If you’ve never been to the SF Zoo, grab a map and decide what animal exhibits are a must for you. You will find restrooms and the Gift Shop at Entry Village, if you prefer to make a quick stop before the end of the day. There’s a lot of area to cover and the truth is you may not see it all in one visit. Check the map out in advance and get the most out of your day. 

(Tip: Don’t skip the the African Savannah and Lemur Forrest. Both are awesome and best explored at the beginning when your troops are still energized.)

 photo: Marianne Hale

Oh Baby, Baby!
It’s always fun to check out the new additions to the zoo when you visit. Word has it, if you look closely, you might spy a cute, little, new face in the Australian WalkAbout—a wallaroo joey! Be sure to stop by and try to get a glimpse of the new addition! The fuzzy, fall flamingo chicks are all grown up, but you can still tell them apart by their grey feathers. The Alaskan-rescued, black bear cubs, recently celebrated their first birthday.

photo: Marianne Hale

Do Not Miss
Adjacent to the Lipman Family Lemur Forest you’ll find the Sifaka exhibit. It is the largest in the country featuring Baobab tree, climbing structures and native Madagascar plants. Your little primates will go bananas watching the Zoboomafoo character come to life and move in their unique sideways jump.

Between Grizzly Gulch and the Black Bear grotto, sits Wolf Canyon, home to the Zoo’s rockstar grey wolves, “Prince, David Bowie and Jerry Garcia.” The three brothers are part of the Species Survival Plan. Stop by their exhibit and learn the Wolf conservation story as well as the Zoo’s efforts in helping grow the population of the most endangered Wolf subspecies.

The South American Tropical Rainforest and Aviary can go unnoticed but don’t miss out on this sense-engaging, colorful exhibit that the sloth and green anaconda call home.

photo: Marianne Hale

Listen and Learn 
The Zoo holds keeper talks throughout the day at various exhibits. Check the day’s schedule for times. The Lion House & Penguin talk are popular ones, so get there early before the crowds. Our favorite is the 4:30 Giraffe Lodge open house. The up-close experience is not to be missed!

photo: Marianne Hale

What’s New?
Thanks to the Lipman Family and other SF Zoo board members, Big Daddy Bahasa is enjoying his new crib! Stop by the new Komodo Crossing exhibit, (next to the Wolverines) complete with a heated rock, night quarters, an indoor and outdoor pool and skylight. This 2,950-square-foot space is a definite upgrade with a great viewing area. While there, head across and meet the two new snow leopards, right outside the Lion house. This breeding pair is a beautiful sight to see and your kitties will enjoy seeing them come right up to the window to say hello.

photo: May Woon

Coming Soon!
Keep your eyes open for the upcoming Chimpanzee exhibit, slated to open this year. Also on the agenda, the renovated Pachyderm building will include indoor viewing area and habitat that will connect to the Chimpanzee Grottos via the Jim Ludwig Passage (overhead walkway) named after long-time donor, board member and SF Zoo champ.

Exploration Zone, Insect Zoo and Elinor Friend Playground
The six-acre Exploration Zone has several hands-on education areas that will keep your young ones entertained for days. The Meerkat and prairie Dog exhibit is a hit, with its eye-level view for the kiddos, burrow-like crawl spaces and foraging sandbox. Your buggies will love crawling on the giant spider web outside the Insect Zoo. Head inside and unwind with some insect-themed books and puzzles. Check out a variety of bugs, including-tarantulas, hissing cockroaches, walking-sticks and many more.

Insider tip: On weekends, catch the keeper talk and meet an arthropod or two. The Animal Resource Center houses the Zoo’s Education program animals. Although you can’t tour the inside, you can take a peek through the viewing windows, catch a volunteer sunning a reptile and get up close to an array of raptors sitting on the hill.

Continue down to the Family Farm where you can feed the goats and brush the sheep. Keep your eyes open for newly-hatched chicks and say hello to the Alpacas. Finally, let your little trekkers run wild at the 36,000-square-foot Elinor Friend Playground. There’s a ton to explore in this three-ecosystem themed, age-appropriate playing space. Perfect for burning up energy before the drive home!

Take a Break 
Greenie’s Conservation Corner is a quiet spot with an organic garden growing food for some of the Zoo’s animals. Its inviting benches and location near restrooms makes this the perfect spot for nursing moms and little ones in need of a rest. Check out the 1906 earthquake shack and solar-powered fountain while there.

All Aboard and Round We Go!
No Zoo visit is complete without a ride on the 1921 Dentzel carousel and Little Puffer Train. Be sure to stop by these historical staples that continue to bring smiles to generations of Zoo visitors. Good to Know: Little Puffer boarding station is next to Puente Al Sur. It is temporarily closed for annual maintenance. Check here for updates, or call the zoo, (415) 753-7080, to check if rides are operating. Carousel: $4/per person, Standing adults free with a paying child. Little Puffer: $6/per person, children under 3 free with a paying adult.

photo: Marianne Hale

Best To Visit 
Early on weekdays is a good time to visit. Not only will you beat the crowds but the animals are most active during the morning. The Zoo offers certain free days to San Francisco residents throughout the year. Stay tuned for the next upcoming day and don’t forget your ID.

Be Prepared 
The Zoo’s proximity to the ocean keeps temps on the cooler side. It isn’t always foggy or overcast, so dressing in layers is best. Wear comfortable walking shoes, bring a hat and don’t forget the sunscreen. Pack your stroller or wagon, or you can rent one there. Bring plenty of snacks and a water bottle to refill.

Insider tip: Purchase a reusable cup or mug and get free/discounted refills at most cafes for the lifetime of cup/mug. The Leaping Lemur Cafe, the biggest eatery in the Zoo, has indoor/outdoor seating and offers a variety of foods including, burgers, salads and international specialties. The Station Pizza Parlor, next to the Little Puffer Depot, serves personal pizzas and large $5 soft serve cones—perfect for sharing. Cafe Playfield, at the Elinor Friend Playground, has organic, kid-friendly meals, snacks and coffee. You can also pack a lunch and picnic at the many areas on grounds. The Gift Shop, at Entry Village, has an espresso bar with yummy pastries if you need a treat for the ride home.

photo: Marianne Hale

Getting There
The Zoo is located a block from the end of the L Taraval MUNI line, as well as the 18 and 23 bus lines. You get $1 off admission price if you show proof of transit. Zoo parking fee is $10/weekdays and $12/weekends and holidays. There is plenty of free street parking along Sloat Blvd, but get there early.

Admission/Hours
General admission: $19/adult; $16/Seniors; $13/children 4-14; children 3 and under are free.
SF Residents: $16/adults; $11.50/Seniors; $9.50/child 4-14; children 3 and under are free.

Members are always free and get to skip the lines!

Hours: The Zoo is open 365 days a year, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (in the spring/summer) and 10 a.m.–4 p.m. (in the fall/winter), last entry an hour before closing time. Children 14 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult while on Zoo grounds.

San Francisco Zoo and Gardens
Sloat Blvd and Great Hwy
San Francisco, CA
415-753-7080
Online: sfzoo.org

What is your favorite way to spend the day at the San Francisco Zoo and Gardens? Share with us below!

—Nella DuBon-Koch

Photos by the author except where noted.

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Let Them Hear You Roar: How to Help Save the Tigers

by Amber Guetebier

Tigers are amazing creatures and after more than a century of population decline, their numbers are starting to rise thanks to major conservation efforts. But there are less than 6,000 tigers left in the world, so they need our help to protect their habitat and their future. Here are 5 simple ways you and the kids can help. 

 

1. Adopt a tiger. Comes with a cute toy, and helps raise awareness and fund conservation efforts.

2. Choose FSC-certified or recycled tissue and toilet paper. Many products contain paper from trees cut down from rainforests, especially from Sumatra.

3. Avoid products with palm oil. This is surprisingly challenging, as many common items, from beauty products to candy, contain palm oil. Palm plantations take the place of vital habitat to tigers. You can also look for RSPO-certified sustainable palm oil.

4. Make sure mama’s coffee is Rainforest Alliance certified to ensure that forests were not destroyed to make room for coffee plantations.

5. Ask local grocery stores and businesses to stock products with these certifications. In fact, see if you can get your school to do it!

 

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Must See: Adorable Videos of Baby Animals

by Christal Y.

There’s nothing cuter than our little mini-mes, but these tiny baby animals come pretty close. Watch these adorable videos about animals in their cutest form, from an excited little pig named Hamlet to a 11-week-old bear cub who isn’t a fan of Conan. We rounded up five of the most “Awww” inducing videos below.

These rare babies have us all aboard Wildlife Conservation Day.

Watch this baby elephant chase birds. The cute factor is ten times stronger than when our kids run through a flock of pigeons.

Who knew swinging a bear cub calms them down? Disclaimer: Don’t try that at home.

This mom’s reaction to her baby sneezing will make you laugh.

Hamlet the Pig is domesticated, but his reaction is so adorable we had to include it here.

Want to take part in Wildlife Conservation Day? Visit the WWF website and take the pledge here.

feature photo: kumachii via flickr

This year give your child the whole world with a subscription to National Geographic Kids (ages 6-13) and National Geographic Little Kids (ages 3-6). Kid-tested and approved, each magazine is chock-full of amazing photos and fun facts about animals, space, history, science and so much more. Your little adventurer will thank you with every issue.

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Down By the Chesapeake Bay: 3 Cool Aquariums to Visit

by rtcarolynross

Baltimore’s incredible National Aquarium can’t be beat when it comes to fans of the oceans deep, but three area attractions bring the focus inland somewhat, and onto a smaller but no less famous body of water, the Chesapeake Bay. Each features  a selection of fun animals to observe, as well as targeted educational exhibits focused on stewardship of the Chesapeake Bay watershed stretching from New York to the North and Virginia to the South.

Photo: Glen Echo Park Aquarium via Facebook

Glen Echo Aquarium
With bullfrogs nestled in the pond, and a homemade yellow submarine greeting visitors at the entrance, the new Glen Echo Park Aquarium introduces a new generation of environmental stewards to the wonders of the Chesapeake Bay region. Occupying  a corner of the Park along the winding entrance path vacated two years ago by the Living Classrooms Foundation, the aquarium teems with life both under the sea and on land, and is fast becoming a hit among the array of kid-approved fun spots Glen Echo encompasses. The setting is perfect for Director Andrew Wilson who since his Navy days dreamed of creating his own place for families and students to become immersed in the history and fragile ecosystem of the Bay, from its native plants and animals to Native American history. Outside, a ship’s bow is readied as an outdoor classroom, along with a planned revival of the sand play area. Inside, Wilson’s entire family helps make the dream a reality. From his educator wife Mary Beth who fields questions about horseshoe crabs and stingrays, to his son and daughter showing visitors around the small, but mighty facility with seaworthy views at munchkin eye level,  a touch tank, and guess what–a pirate!

Fascinating Fact: According to the Defenders of Wildlife website, there are 4,740 species of frogs around the world, about 90 of which may be found in the U.S., including the American Bullfrogs residing in Glen Echo Park Aquarium’s pond.

Glen Echo Park Aquarium
7300 MacArthur Blvd. (Glen Echo, Md)
301-955-6256
Online: gepaquarium.org

Photo: Calvert Marine Museum via Facebook

Calvert  Marine Museum
This gem features the renovated Drum Point lighthouse, a signature landmark on Southern Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay waterfront. With Girl Scout badge earning opportunities, as well as a number of family programs aimed at school-aged kiddos, and the aptly named “Squirts” and “Minnows”  for the under five set,  you will be hard pressed to find a reason not to cross the bridge to Solomon’s Island. Exhibits focus on native marine animal life like a River Otter habitat, as well as the people who make their living on the Chesapeake Bay and everything it takes to get the job done from lighthouse operations to the sailing vessels. The Paleontology Room features a replica of Calvert Cliffs, where many of the museum’s own fossil treasures were found. In the Discovery Room, billed as “Paradise for Pint-sized Passers-by” your little Indiana can dig up his own fossils, while mini marine biologists get up close and personal with the sea stars. Outside, the beautiful Marsh Walk is prime bird-watching real estate and a welcome respite for little ones(or their parents) who may need to escape the indoor setting.

Fascinating Fact:  The Marine Museum’s palentologists still unearth important fossil finds in the area, and last October excavated from a local family’s backyard an extremely rare skeleton of a 15-million-year-old snaggle-toothed shark!

Calvert Marine Museum
14200 Solomons Island Rd. (Solomons, Md)
410-326-2042
Online: calvertmarinemuseum.com

Photo: Virginia Aquarium via Facebook

Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center
With a zipline and climbing “Adventure Park” also on the grounds, a newly renovated giant 3D movie theater, as well as a number of live animal exhibits, this aquatic center rivals the National Aquarium in Baltimore. Child-friendly pricing for those under 11 also makes the the visit a bit easier on the family wallet. Among the animal exhibits are three different species of sea turtles, along with river otters and harbor seals. Two touch pools keep the littlest fish fanatics engaged, and on Tuesdays and Thursdays enjoy special programming for the preschool set. Older kids may become involved in one of three interactive educational programs that take place over multiple visits.  An entire tab on the website is dedicated to conservation issues, proving that the Center’s primary goal of conservation through education, research and sustainable practices more than just a fish tale.

Fascinating Fact: Each year in Virginia, the Center’s “Stranding Team”, a group of trained staff and volunteers come to the aid of 75-125 marine mammals and 200-350 sea turtles found beached, or otherwise entrapped and unable to return to their natural habitats.

Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center
717 General Booth Blvd. (Virginia Beach, Va)
757-385-3474
Online:  virginiaaquarium.com

–Carolyn Ross

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Who’s New at the LA Zoo: Meet the Babies!

by rtemiruzzin

The storks must have been working overtime, because at our very own Los Angeles Zoo there’s been a huge number of babies born this year, and we don’t mean the ones in strollers. And as every parent knows, there’s nothing quite as cute as the youngest members of any species, so grab your own wee ones and head on out to oooh and aaah over the new additions at the Zoo.

photo: Wendy Fontaine

Cutest, By A Neck: Leo
If a giraffe isn’t on every toddler’s “must-see-every-time” list, we don’t know what is. And what’s even better than a giraffe? Why, a baby giraffe of course. Standing 6 feet tall and weighing 170 lbs at birth, baby Leo was born last November, and is the proud offspring of mom Hasina and dad Artemus. This healthy baby boy can grow to be 18 feet tall and reach 3000 lbs by the time he is full grown. But for now he’s easy to spot as he’s the littlest guy in the herd, seconded by his big sister Sofie, who is in the midst of her terribly-tall twos.

photo: Jamie Pham

Most Likely To Monkey Around: All 5 Chimpanzees
Right now it’s easy to mistake the chimp habitat for a daycare center. It currently houses 5 (see if you can spot them all) babies between zero and 3 years old. Not to worry, though, these mamas have help. There are 4 generations of chimps in residence, led by 48 year old Great-Grandma Pandora, so there are plenty of aunties to lend a simian hand. Look for baby Johari, who will be a year in October, and baby Oliver, who refused to nurse and had to be bottle fed round the clock by a team of dedicated zookeepers. If you don’t see them by the steps, check out the Penthouse, where they’ll be frolicking amid ropes and swings.

photo: Jamie Pham

Triple the Fun: Endangered (Baby) Giant Otters
Who’s the famous set of three sleek, dark haired siblings? Nope, not the Kardashians, we’re talking about giant otters. These gorgeous triplets, two males and one female, were born in March at the new Rainforest of the Americas exhibit. They joined their playful family of a mom, dad, brother and sister, who were the first babies born in the habitat last September. The helpful older siblings can be seen assisting their parents in teaching the newcomers their swimming skills, so look for all of them joyfully slipping and sliding down the water slide.

photo: Emi Ruzzin

Biggest Surprise: Baby Rosie
Guess who was the “happy accident” who weighed nearly 100 lbs at birth? No secret, it’s baby Rosie the hippopotamus. Mom Mara was on birth control to comply with the Species Survival Program, which is designed to choose the best mating matches for conservation efforts, but zookeepers suspected she might have a bun in the oven when she started rapidly gaining weight. You can see baby Rosie who is about to celebrate her first birthday on Halloween, sticking close to her mom and following her around wherever she goes. Dad Adhama engages her in lots of play, but this little one is definitely a mama’s girl. Check out the feeding times to see this hungry, hungry hippo munching on whole heads of lettuce and other assorted veggies.  She’ll teach your kids that eating healthy is the way to grow up to be big and strong!

Biggest Question Mark:  Baby Howler Monkey
Boy or girl? Nobody knows yet the gender of the newest little monkey that was born on July 31. This black haired beauty can be seen cradled in his or her mom’s arms as she (he?) climbs all over the habitat in the Rainforest of the Americas exhibit. You can also spot big sis, born in January. Listen for them making their signature (loud) howl across the zoo.

photo: Emi Ruzzin

Most Cold Blooded: Baby Viper
No, not the one parked next to the Tesla. Zookeepers had to reproduce near freezing Armenian winter conditions to have these successful births, but lucky for us, they finally got the right temperature. There are eight of these little guys and gals, born to two moms in mid-July. Look for them behind the glass in little terrariums at the Care and Conservation Room in the LAIR. (Fun fact: unlike most snakes, these vipers give birth to live young.)

photo: Emi Ruzzin

Most Touchable: Baby Kids
Last but not least, let the kids touch and brush these kids. Of course, we mean the triplet Nigerian dwarf goats born to mom Lacey and the single kid born to mom Glory, right in the Winnick Family Children’s Zoo, commonly known as the Petting Zoo. These gentle kiddos can usually be seen resting against each other and their mamas as they receive attention from small but eager human hands. They don’t seem to mind the gentle petting and brushing, so grab the camera for some cute photo ops.

And Lots More…
There are more young ’uns to visit—baby kangaroos, koalas and all sorts of deer and monkey varieties, just to name a few. Learn what a Visayan warty pig is and why he’s warty; find out if the baby female bighorn sheep has horns; how many prongs are on the horn of the baby pronghorns…and what exactly is a pronghorn, anyway?

Answer these questions and the dozens more that your little ones will come up with, on your next visit to meet the babies at the zoo. Take along hats, sunblock and definitely lots of ice in your water bottle—many of the exhibits are in full sun.

Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Garden
5333 Zoo Dr.
Griffith Park
Hours: Daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed Christmas Day
Price: $20/adult, $15/child, kids two and under are free
323-644-4200
Online: lazoo.org

Who is the biggest baby? The longest baby? The tallest baby? Your favorite baby? Tell us about your visit to see the babies at the Zoo.

—Emi Ruzzin

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

These Sloth Videos Are Too Cute to Handle

by Christal Y.

Shy, slow and cute, sloths remind us of our little munchkins on a school morning. Along with their unique appearance, these amazing creatures are full of patience, joy, respect and tenderness. We rounded up the cutest videos for Sloth Day, so grab your mini-me and watch the videos below. Which sloth is most like your kiddo?

Bath time is just sloth speak for “Going to the spa.”

This is the only pajama party you need (and want) to be invited to.

When it comes to getting dressed, our wiggle worms could learn a thing or two about going with the flow from this tiny sloth.

Curious about what kind of sound sloths make? This video will delight you.

Chewbacca the Sloth represents all moms after the kids have gone to bed.

Want to help out with the conservation of sloths? Visit AIUNAU, a non-profit foundation that works to protect and rehabilitate wildlife. Click here to learn more.

— Christal Yuen

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement