In the News: New Animals, Bouncing Babies, and Animal Experiences to See at the Zoo

Philadelphia Zoo is thrilled to announce the birth of endangered species and rare breeds as well as the arrival of a species that hasn’t been at the Zoo for nearly 100 years, and a new way to see two of our endangered lemur species.

There are some new must-see additions at Philadelphia Zoo! The Zoo is proud to announce the hatching of two Humboldt penguin chicks, a vulnerable species; the birth of two Arapawa goats, a rare breed with less than 500 individuals in the world; and the return of red-tailed monkeys, a species that last lived at the Zoo in 1928. Plus, take a walk to Lemur Island, where you can now share a space with our families of ring-tailed and mongoose lemurs, an endangered and critically endangered species.

“We are delighted to share these exciting hatchings, births, and animal experiences with our guests, members, and greater Zoo community,” says Vice President of Animal Well-Being Rachel Metz. “Part of Philadelphia Zoo’s mission is to inspire action for wildlife and habitats, and watching baby animals grow, learning about a species that hasn’t been at the Zoo for nearly 100 years and engaging with endangered lemurs in a brand-new space is sure to connect our guests to wildlife in a new and exciting way.”

Below is a full rundown of all the new babies, animals and experiences at the Zoo!

Lemur Island

Step inside and share a space with our family of ring-tailed and mongoose lemurs at Lemur Island! This brand-new walkthrough experience takes you inside their exhibit outside PECO Primate Reserve—no fences, moats, or barriers of any kind. This experience brings you right next to these endangered species, helping guests grow a greater appreciation of what makes them so amazing and why they need our protection.

“Philadelphia Zoo has one of the most diverse collections of lemur species in North America,” says the Andrew J. Baker Curator of Primates and Small Mammals Michael Stern. “We love seeing the joy on guests’ faces as they enter the experience and come within feet of these lemur families. We are thankful to all the Zoo teams who worked together to bring this experience to our guests for 2023.”

For full press release, click here.