Madagascar Teal Duckling 

We have welcomed a new addition to the Islands Pavilion recently: an endangered Madagascar teal duckling! Did you know? The North American population of Madagascar teals is managed by the Louisville Zoo’s Animal Commissary Supervisor, Craig Mikel, who established the North American SSP program and studbook.

Addax Calf

The baby boom continues at the Louisville Zoo with the birth of a 19 lb. female addax. The calf was born between 1 and 2 a.m. on August 23, 2024, to 6-year-old Reesie. The father is 6-year-old Winfield. Both mom and calf are doing well and are on rotation in the Africa Zone. The calf’s name will be announced in the coming weeks.

The Zoo has had a successful breeding program with addax which are experiencing critical challenges in the vanishing wild. With drastically diminished numbers, some researchers say they are on the verge of imminent extinction.

video and more info

Masai Giraffe Calf

There’s a 6-foot-tall bundle of joy at the Louisville Zoo. A newborn male Masai Giraffe, born to parents Kianga and Baridi on August 9, 2024, marks the first giraffe calf in 12 years.

His name is Nyasi which means “grass” in Swahili language.  Giraffe inhabit the tall savanna grasslands of sub-Saharan Africa. The name was chosen from almost 4,000 votes on the Zoo’s website.

Nyasi and mom are usually on exhibit from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily.  For more information on the calf, updates on public viewing, please click below.

more info

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.

Barbie, Malibu, & Skipper

Meet the Glamorous Goat Trio: Barbie, Malibu, and Skipper!

Say hello to the most stylish squad in town! Barbie, Malibu, and Skipper are here to steal hearts with their playful personalities and undeniable charm. Whether they’re trotting around with confidence or striking the perfect pose for a picture, these goats are all about fun, friendship, and fabulous adventures. With their boundless energy and affectionate nature, they’re sure to bring plenty of joy to everyone they meet!

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!

Cassowary Bruce

 Meet Bruce, our new Southern Cassowary! He’s from “down under”… hatched in Brownsville, TX! This striking Australian bird—also found in Indonesia & Papua New Guinea—turns 4 in May. He still sports some juvenile plumage, but his blue face, red wattles, and casque make him unmistakable. Bruce is learning trained behaviors for his care, and he loves grapes and bananas.

Stop by our Australia Zone to give Bruce a lil “G’day Y’all”!

Goats – Cashew & Pistachio

Meet “new kids on the block” Cash and Stache’!

Cashew and Pistachio are Arapawa goats, a rare breed of goat that was originally native to the island of Arapawa near New Zealand. The “kids” are in the process of being introduced to our current herd of goats in the Boma Petting Zoo. Look forward to seeing them in the Boma Petting Zoo this Spring on your next visit to the Louisville Zoo!
(Please note, Boma is currently closed for roof maintenance!)

Binturong Bianca

Bianca the binturong has joined us in the Islands pavilion, just past the bird trail! Though called bearcats, binturongs are actually related to civets and are the largest species with a prehensile tail, weighing 30–70 pounds. They spend most of their time in trees and use scent glands to mark territory—amazingly, their scent smells like buttered popcorn due to the same aroma molecule found in popped corn!

Learn more!

Baby Gorilla Abeo

The Louisville Zoo has welcomed 1 ½-month-old western lowland gorilla Abeo (ah-beh-OH) to Gorilla Forest! Born June 28, 2024 at Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, Abeo’s mother, Akenji, struggled to bond with him, prompting a search for a foster home.The Louisville Zoo’s 40-year-old female gorilla, Kweli, was selected to be the baby’s foster mom due to her success with Kindi – our now 8-year-old, sub-adult female gorilla.

Learn more!

Koala Dharuk

Get ready for an exhilarating adventure at your Louisville Zoo as we welcome an iconic species from “down under” to the Bluegrass state! Come visit with male koala Dharuk, who has journeyed all the way from San Diego to join our Zoo family!

It’s been a while since we last had the pleasure of hosting koalas, with our last sighting dating back to 2000. But fear not, because we’re thrilled to announce that these adorable marsupial is here to stay!

Learn more!

Malyan Tapir – Sarah Marie

Zoo pays tribute to Malayan tapir, Sarah Marie, June 17, 2025

Sarah Marie, our female Malayan tapir, was euthanized on June 17, 2025, at the Louisville Zoo due to age-related health decline. She was 30 years old, far exceeding the median life expectancy of 18.1 years for her species. She was born at the Memphis Zoo on August 29, 1994 and came to the Louisville Zoo in May of 1995 and was the first Tapir to be on display when the Islands exhibit opened.  At the time of her passing, she was the oldest tapir in the AZA population, her longevity was remarkable.

Snow Leopard – Kimti

Zoo Says Goodbye to Snow Leopard Kimti, June 17, 2025

Kimti, our beloved 14-year-old male snow leopard, passed away on June 7, 2025, after a decline in health due to age-related issues. Born in 2011 with coloboma, a condition affecting his vision, Kimti overcame challenges with the help of his keepers. Over the years, he became a quiet ambassador, inspiring and connecting with differently abled children, leaving a lasting impression on all who met him.

Elephants–Mikki and Punch

Zoo Says Goodbye to Beloved Elephants June 5, 2025

Mikki and Punch have officially begun their new journey at The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee, where they will enjoy open space, exceptional care, and the companionship they deserve. Though their departure is bittersweet, we take comfort in knowing they are in the best possible place for their golden years. Thank you for celebrating their time with us and for supporting their transition to a peaceful retirement.

Learn more!

Red-Crowned Crane – Ami Yuasa

Zoo Says Goodbye to Red-Crowned Crane Ami Yuasa, May 18, 2025

Ami Yuasa, our cherished red-crowned crane, was transferred to the Roger Williams Park Zoo on Sunday, May 18, 2025. Born here on July 8, 2024, she has been a special part of our community, and we are confident she will thrive in her new home.

East African Crowned Crane – Freddie

Zoo Says Goodbye to East African Crowned Crane Freddie, May 14, 2025

Freddie, our beloved East African crowned crane, was humanely euthanized on Wednesday, May 14, 2025. His presence brought joy to many, and he will be fondly remembered. While this is a difficult moment, we take comfort in knowing that his care prioritized his well-being throughout his life. Thank you to all who appreciated and cherished Freddie during his time with us..