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
Colobus Monkey |
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Mother: Ate |
Baer’s Pochards Ducklings |
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Hatched May 28, 2025 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. |
Madagascar Teal Duckling |
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Mother: Poppy Father: Branch Hatched May 21, 2025 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. |
New Additions
Koalas Myalla and Chuckles! |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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. |
Departures
Maned Wolf – Jessie |
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Zoo remembers Jessie, maned wolf, August 20, 2025 Jessie, a seven-year-old maned wolf, was euthanized on August 20, 2025, at the Louisville Zoo due to severe gastrointestinal complications. While the exact cause remains unknown, maned wolves are known to have a high incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and related digestive diseases. Jessie arrived from the Phoenix Zoo in June 2025, marking the return of maned wolves to the habitat after a six-month hiatus. Her confident nature and enthusiasm for enrichment activities—especially feeder balls and puzzle feeders—quickly endeared her to her keepers. She had a particular fondness for hardboiled egg yolks, a detail that captured hearts and smiles alike. While her time at the Zoo was brief, her presence here was filled with curiosity, charm and quiet impact. |
Silverback Gorilla – Cecil |
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Zoo says goodbye to Silverback Gorilla, Cecil August 12, 2025 Cecil, a silverback gorilla born in 1998 at the Cincinnati Zoo, was a cherished member of the Louisville Zoo’s bachelor troop since 2004. Alongside Bengati, Kicho and Jelani, he thrived in a social group modeled after wild gorilla dynamics—designed to support the development of young silverbacks. Recently selected by the Gorilla Species Survival Plan (SSP) as a strong match for the San Francisco Zoo’s gorilla population, Cecil has now relocated to begin the next chapter of his journey. While no breeding is planned until after his phased social introductions, his genetics make him a promising future troop leader. |
Elephants–Mikki and Punch |
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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. |