28 June 2016
Leopard cubs, lemur cubs.
”There's frolicking and hopping in many enclosures right now. In Lilla Zoo, where you can go in to the animals, we currently have nine lambs and two kids that you can cuddle with, and soon the little chicks will be making their entrance from their nursery – says Louise Nilsberth, who is a zoo teacher at Parken Zoo.
It's not just in the domestic animal section that there's been great baby joy; the sensational Amur leopard trio Seja, Igor, and Zino can now be seen in the species' outdoor enclosure with their mother Takara. The otter cub Morris has now learned to swim properly and plays in the water with the rest of his family.
Tamandua Maya, who was born earlier this spring, is becoming more independent and is now starting to spend more time away from her mother's back. In the Desert House, the adorable sand cat kittens Sally and Dinah are frolicking, and in the World of Lemurs, you can get really, really close to the red-bellied lemur kitten Fluffy.
Other animals that have had young this year include milk frogs, bearded dragons, Egyptian tortoises, red-footed tortoises, and two common marmosets and one emperor tamarin. From previous years, we also have the gibbon youngsters Spike and Chili, who are frolicking around.
That animals in zoos have young is not only cute but also important for animal welfare, as reproduction and rearing of young are strong, innate drives. It is also part of the conservation work carried out, as many of these species are endangered. For example, there are only about 70 Amur leopards left in the wild. EAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aquariums) runs conservation breeding programmes, known as EEPs, and many of Parken Zoo's species are part of these projects. When the young have grown up, many of them move on to another zoo to form new breeding pairs and secure the future of their species.
By visiting a Swedish zoo this summer, you will not only have a wonderful day filled with memories, inspiration, and new knowledge. You will also be contributing to the work with endangered species.
Louise Nilsberth, Research and Education Department, Parken Zoo
Email: louise.nilsberth@parkenzoo.se
Tel: 070-086 28 82
Figures according to the Amur Leopard & Tiger Alliance.