ickplant

The Louisville Zoo has welcomed a 1 ½-month-old infant male western lowland gorilla named Abeo (ah-bay-OH) to our award-winning Gorilla Forest habitat. His name means “bringer of happiness” in Yoruba, a language spoken in West Africa.

Born on June 28 at the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, Washington., the infant is the offspring of Akenji, a first-time mom. When Akenji was unable to bond with her infant and when training another foster didn’t progress fast enough, Woodland Park officials moved into quick action to find suitable care for the infant gorilla.

Read more here.

Schönbrunn Zoo recently had a special offspring: On November 18, a two-toed sloth was born. This is the 14th offspring for the pair of sloths that can be found in the aviary. "We are very happy about this offspring. Sloths are among the most fascinating and at the same time most comfortable animals that delight our visitors," explains zoo director Dr. Stephan Hering-Hagenbeck.

The sloth mother looks after her young one lovingly, which is nursed for around six months. But milk is not the only thing on the menu: the young animal is already nibbling on vegetables such as celery or lettuce from time to time. Initially well hidden in the mother's soft belly fur, the offspring are now so big that they can be easily observed with the necessary patience.

Watch the video and read more here.