CONTACT: Kyle Shepherd
Direct: 502-238-5331 | Media Only: 502-744-5639
kyle.shepherd@louisvilleky.gov
The Louisville Zoo has welcomed a few new additions including a new zebra, a babirusa and a hyacinth macaw.
“Annette”, a female Hartmann’s mountain zebra was born this past May and was not on exhibit due to construction in the area. She was born to dam (mother) Morena and sire (dad) Gibbs on May 29, 2015. Hartmann’s mountain zebras are listed as a vulnerable species according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. Mountain zebras live in dry stony mountains and semi desert areas of southwest Africa. Now that the construction area is clear and pathways are open, Zoo guests can see Annette on exhibit daily in rotation with the other zebras.
“Babs”, a North Sulawesi babirusa piglet was born Sept. 26, 2015 to dam (mother) Patrice and sire (dad) Albus, each six years-old. Babirusas are listed as a vulnerable species according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. The population has declined largely due to habitat loss as well as hunting. Babiusas live in moist to marshy forested areas along lake shores and riverbanks in Sulawesi, Togian, Sula and Buru Islands in the Indonesian Archipelago. Guests can expect to see Babs on rotation in the Islands this spring.
A hyacinth macaw was also hatched in May. This is the first parent-reared hyacinth macaw here at the Zoo. Previous macaws had to be hand raised by zoo keepers so this is a significant accomplishment for this species at our Zoo. The gender of the macaw has not been confirmed. Hyacinth macaws are listed as a vulnerable species according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. Their population is listed as decreasing. These vibrant blue birds live in swamps, forests and palm groves in the interior of southern Brazil. The macaw is currently on exhibit near the flamingos; when temperatures are below 25 degrees the macaw will not be on exhibit.
The births were all planned as a part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP). Breeding plans work to improve the genetic diversity of managed animal populations.
***
The Louisville Zoo, a non-profit organization and state zoo of Kentucky, is dedicated to bettering the bond between people and our planet by providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for visitors, and leadership in scientific research and conservation education. The Zoo is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) and by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
# # #