Looking for a COVID-safe activity for the family? Consider heading to The Dallas Zoo to meet the newest residents there. The zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Here are some of the fluffy and scaly creatures you’ll see on your visit.
The Arapawa Goats: Aster, Ollie & Bluebonnet
Birthday: April 4, 2021
The three kids are the first of their breed to be born at the zoo. They are native to New Zealand, where it’s reported only 300 still remain.
Fun Fact: Bluebonnet was named after the zoo let the public vote on a name earlier this year.
Where to find them at the zoo? Check them out at the Goat Yard at the Lacerte Family Children’s Zoo
Keki, The Blue Duiker
Birthday: June 1, 2021
Keki means “cake” in Swahili, in honor of his mom, Cupcake. Keki is a blue duiker, of which there are only 40 living in accredited zoos across the country.
Fun Fact: Blue Duikers are the second smallest antelope species in the world.
Where to find them at the zoo? Unfortunately, Keki is not out and about like the others. The Dallas Zoo has a specially designed facility dedicated to breeding the species and increasing the genetic diversity of the population.
Mangshan Pit Viper Hatchlings
Birthday(s): June 27-29, 2021
These venomous vipers are native to the mountains of southern China. There are only 500 snakes left in the wild.
Fun Fact: Dallas is one of only two accredited zoos that have successfully hatched these endangered species.
Where to find them at the zoo? These two hang out at the Herpetarium in ZooNorth.
Eleanor, The Alpaca
Birthday: July 14, 2021
Eleanor was born to mom, Bessy, a 7-year old Alpaca. They’re originally from the Jammin’ Alpacas of Springton farm, founded by a former Dallas zoologist.
Fun Fact: Baby alpacas are called “crias”
Where to find them at the zoo? Guests can visit Eleanor (and the rest of the family) at the Lacerte Family Children’s Zoo. Check out what happened when they first arrived at the zoo in May.
The River Hogs: PB, J & Ella
Birthday: March 11, 2020
The three hog piglets were born to mom, Tori and dad, Neville.
Fun Fact: They were the first-ever red river hogs born at the Dallas Zoo.
Where to find them at the zoo? Unfortunately, the piglets are not in the spotlight just yet. But Neville can be seen at the Wilds of Africa area of the zoo.Giraffes: Kendi & Marekani
Birthday: May 2, 2020 & July, 4 2021
Kendi and Marekani’s parents Katie and Tebogo also live at the zoo.
Fun Fact: Kendi’s name means “loved one” in Swahili.
Where to find them at the zoo? This family lives in the Giants of Savanna area of the Wilds of Africa. You can see them up close in person at the Diane and Hal Brierley Giraffe Ridge for agiraffe feeding during normal zoo hours. Lion Cubs: Izwi, Ilola and Tadala
Birthday: Aug. 17, 2020
They were born to mom, Bahati and dad, Kijani.
Fun Fact: The cubs are the Dallas Zoo’s first litter of multiple cubs since 1974.
Where to find them at the zoo? Watch them, from a safe distance, at the Giants of Savanna area of the Wilds of Africa.Harmann’s Mountain Zebras: Malawa & Sukari
Birthday(s): Jan. 6, 2020 & July 23, 2020
Fun Fact: Malawa is the first-ever Hartmann’s mountain zebra to be born at the zoo. And Sukari was the second.
Where to find them at the zoo? You can spot the rest of the family at the Giants of Savanna area of the Wilds of Africa.
Tickets to the zoo range from $8.00 to $21.00. Children ages 2 and under are free! Make sure to plan ahead your route before you head out the door to see the zoo's newest additions.
The Dallas Zoo is now requiring all guests ages 2 and older to wear a mask in all indoor areas at the Zoo, per the latest guidance from local officials.
If you are a bit on the fence about visiting in person, you don't have to miss out on the fun. Bring the Zoo to You is a virtual program dedicated to engaging the public to learn more about zoology.
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Got a tip? Ana Perez at aperez@kera.org. You can follow Ana on Twitter @anabpez9.
