New at the Zoo

Colobus Monkey

Mother: Ate (“ah-tay”)
Father: Dr. Sheldon Cooper
Born: Sunday, May 7, 2026

The Louisville Zoo is celebrating a rare colobus monkey birth — only the second in its 47‑year history. Six‑year‑old Ate welcomed a healthy baby boy on May 7, with 13‑year‑old Dr. Sheldon Cooper as the father. The infant is thriving under the care of his parents and “aunties” Nali and Phyllis, reflecting the species’ cooperative family structure. Visitors can look forward to watching the young colobus grow, transition from his snowy white newborn coat, and begin exploring alongside his troop.

Masai giraffe

Mother: Kianga
Father: Baridi
Born: Sunday, May 3 at 10:45 a.m. 2026
A special arrival is capturing hearts at the Louisville Zoo. A female Masai giraffe calf was born to parents Kianga and Baridi, marking an important milestone for the Zoo and for giraffe conservation. This birth is part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan, which supports the long-term sustainability of Masai giraffes, a vulnerable species.

Steller’s sea eagle

Mother: Anastasia
Father: Piotr
Hatched: April 14, 2026
A rare arrival is drawing eyes to the skies at the Louisville Zoo. Our resident Steller’s sea eagles welcomed a chick. This is only the third eaglet successfully hatched at the Zoo in its 57-year history. The eaglet can be seen in real time through the Zoo’s live nest cam, offering an up-close look at one of the world’s largest and most impressive eagle species.

Watch the Eagle Cam

Colobus Monkey

Mother: Ate
Father: Dr. Sheldon Cooper
Born August 24, 2025
We’re celebrating a historic first at Colobus Crossing: the birth of a colobus monkey! Did you know? Colobus monkeys practice alloparenting, where females share babysitting duties from birth. Already, troop member Nali is helping care for the newborn, showcasing the species’ remarkable social bonds and cooperative care.

Baer’s Pochards Ducklings

For the first time ever, the Louisville Zoo has welcomed Baer’s pochard ducklings—marking a major milestone for this critically endangered Asian species. Now thriving in the Steller’s Sea Eagle aviary, these hatchlings symbolize hope for global conservation and the vital role zoos play in protecting wildlife.

Amur Tiger, Viktoria

Born March 19, 2022 at Rolling Hills Zoo (Kansas), Viktoria is a female Amur tiger with lineage tied to Ahnwei and Viktor, former Louisville residents. Her parents are Zoya (Roosevelt Park Zoo) and Viktor (Denver Zoo). Currently 246 lbs., Viktoria is calm, adaptable, and loves all things water! Amur tigers are critically endangered — fewer than 6,000 tigers remain in the wild, with only about 600 Amur tigers. Just 150 live in North American zoos. Louisville supports the AZA Species Survival Plan by pairing Viktoria with our male tiger, Timmy, to help sustain the population.

Read the media release

Orangutans Sumagu & Kera

For the first time in 28 years, the Louisville Zoo is welcoming two new critically endangered orangutans, mother Sumagu and her seven year old daughter Kera. In addition, Sumagu brings with her a future breeding recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Orangutan Species Survival Plan with our male, Segundo. The pair are currently acclimating to their new surroundings and will begin rotation in the Islands area. There is no set schedule for their appearance, but feel free to visit our Animal Viewing Schedule on our Plan Your Visit page.

Read the media release

Curl-crested Aracari, PJ

For the first time ever at the Zoo, guests can see a male curl-crested aracari in the Survival Station habitats at the Islands Pavilion. Hatched at the San Antonio Zoo in May 2024, PJ brings his inquisitive personality, playful vocalizations, strikingly colorful bill, and distinctive curly head feathers to Louisville. His lively presence is sure to inspire a deeper appreciation for the remarkable diversity of species found in nature.

Maned Wolf Chrys

Welcome Chrys, a 7-year-old maned wolf who arrived late this summer from Sedgwick County Zoo. He has already been winning hearts with his gentle curiosity and playful personality. His favorite enrichment includes toys he can pick up and carry, puzzle feeders and lick boards with peanut butter! In the wild, maned wolves are generally solitary creatures, and Chrys is currently exploring the maned wolf habitat on his own. However, the Zoo has received a breeding recommendation from the Association of Zoo’s and Aquariums (AZA) and plans to introduce a female maned wolf to join Chrys soon!

Spur-winged Lapwing

A spur-winged lapwing arrived June 29 from The Pipsqueakery, a rehab facility in Bloomington, Indiana. This striking black-and-white wader is now in the Islands Survival Stations.

Chestnut-backed Thrush

Visit the Islands Forest Bird Trail to spot this beautifully patterned small songbird among the treetops.

Koalas Myalla and Chuckles!

Two new furry faces have joined the Australian area: koalas Chuckels and Myalla! Chuckels, a 10-year-old male named after koala program pioneer Chuck Bieler, and Myalla, a 6-year-old female whose name means “big talk” in an Aboriginal language, are settling into their new home near Lorikeet Landing. These iconic Australian marsupials will be housed separately in a renovated habitat alongside fellow Aussie species like wallabies, emus, and cassowaries. Guests can expect to see them snoozing often as they digest their eucalyptus meals. Find out more about their journey to the Louisville Zoo here.

Blue Crowned Motmot

We’re excited to introduce a beautiful new arrival to our zoo family — a blue-crowned Motmot (Momotus momota) who came to us from the Audubon Zoo on March 26, 2025. Hatched on August 8, 2008, this Amazonian bird is known for its vibrant plumage and distinctive tail feathers, which swing like a pendulum and have earned it the nickname “clockwork bird.” Motmots feed on insects, lizards, small mammals, and the occasional fruit. Be sure to stop by and admire this graceful addition to our aviary!

Giraffe Josie

We are reaching new heights in the Africa Zone as we welcome Josie, a 2-year-old female Masai giraffe! Josie joins us from Greenville Zoo with a breeding recommendation by the Species Survival Plan which works to maintain the genetic diversity of managed animal populations. You can spot Josie NOW in the giraffe habitat on rotation with Kianga and Nyasi.

Toucan Theo

Welcome Theo, the colorful wonder with a beak as bold as his personality! Theo is always ready to dazzle with his stunning feathers and lively spirit. Whether he’s showing off his vibrant look or sharing his cheerful calls, this charismatic toucan knows how to make an entrance. Get ready for endless excitement and a burst of tropical joy—Theo is here to brighten every day with his spectacular presence!

Learn more!