Here you will learn about the latest births and additions to the Louisville Zoo. Follow along with pregnancy updates and join the journey as these animal babies grow up to become amazing ambassadors. There are even live camera feeds for some of the animals that are not yet on exhibit.
Zoo Babies reminds us that each birth can help people learn about these species and their needs as well as encourage us to “better the bond between people and our planet” and help protect our animal friends.
Recent Births
Addax Calf |
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Mother: Reesie Father: Winfield Born: Friday, August 23, 2024 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. |
Masai Giraffe Calf |
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Mother: Kianga Father: Baridi Born: Friday, August 9, 2024 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. |
Sumatran Tiger Cub |
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Mother: Jingga Father: Kami Sambal Born: Tuesday, July 23, 2024 The Louisville Zoo is happy to announce the recent birth of a Sumatran tiger cub for the first time in 20 years! Born on Tuesday, July 23 at 7:37 p.m., the cub is the offspring of father Kami Sambal (“Kami”) and mother Jingga. Both mom and her cub are doing well. This is the first time in over twenty years that the Louisville Zoo has seen a Sumatran tiger cub. Voting is now over and our new tiger cub’s name is Kaji! The name is a combination of both parents’ names, “Kami” and “Jingga.” Their legacy will live on through this cub, contributing to the conservation of Sumatran tigers for future generations. CURRENT SCHEDULE |
New Additions
Barbie, Malibu, & Skipper |
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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 |
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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! |
Cassowary Bruce |
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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 |
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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! |
Binturong Bianca |
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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! |
Baby Gorilla Abeo |
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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. |
Koala Dharuk |
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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! |
Red Panda Gansu |
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Female Red panda “Gansu” arrived from the Knoxville Zoo in July 2024. She was born at the Detroit Zoo on June 27, 2013 and has lived in the Motor City as well as the Brandywine Zoo (Wilmington, Delaware) and the Knoxville Zoo. Gansu joins Sundara in the new red panda exhibit! |
Gorilla Patty |
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The Louisville Zoo welcomes 11-year-old western lowland gorilla Patty to Gorilla Forest! She joins a new troop with silverback Casey (42), adult females Paki (35) and Kweli (40), and young Kindi (8). Her group will rotate exhibits with bachelor gorillas Bengati, Jelani, Cecil, and Kicho. Zookeepers say Patty is socially savvy and adjusting well. Stop by Gorilla Forest to see her in action! |
Departures
Rhino – Sindi |
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Zoo Says Goodbye to Rhino Sindi, March 19, 2025 The Louisville Zoo is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Sindi, its beloved 41-year-old southern white rhinoceros, that had been part of the Zoo family since 1985. Sindi had been treated for arthritis and other age-related conditions, but her health declined significantly in mid-March. Despite various treatments, it was determined that humane euthanasia was the most compassionate choice. Sindi had been a major contributor in her own healthcare in recent years as her age progressed. She actively participated in her training, allowing the veterinary team to draw blood and address issues routinely and with ease. She was a wonderful animal to work with and will truly be missed. Visitors can continue to observe Letterman, Sindi’s fellow rhino, in the Africa Zone. |