September 30th, 2011
Dublin Zoo had two reasons to celebrate this week with the opening of their new Gorilla Rainforest habitat and the birth of a female baby gorilla.
First time mother Mayani gave birth to a bouncing, yet to be named, baby on the 16th of September. Head over to the zoo’s Facebook to tell them what you think she should be called. Remember the name should be based on her West African heritage.
Mother and baby will join their ever growing troop in a 12,000 square metre rainforest enclosure which reflects the natural habitat of the lowland gorilla. The zoo’s gorilla community is healthy and thriving – it is thought that the troop of 7 will double in the next few years.
Pictured exploring his new habitat (left), is Kituba, the 6 month old gorilla who kept his gender secret for weeks by clinging close to this mother.
By Sinéad. Posted in News
September 27th, 2011
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This giant bunny is bigger than many dogs at a length of 60cm and a whopping weight of 18 pounds. Found in the English town of Swindon, she has been taken into veterinary care and is so big that she has to be kept in a roomy dog kennel. The staff at the Thameswood Clinic believe that she may have been abandoned by owners who could not keep up with her feeding costs.
Nicknamed Thumper, the four year old rabbit is said to have a perfectly clean bill of health and has obviously been well-fed. The clinic’s manager, Chris Wood says, “We are hoping she has just escaped and not been dumped as she has a lovely nature and enjoys cuddles with our nurses.” Whether Thumper’s owners come forward or not, it seems as if she has no shortage of admirers – one of the clinic’s staff will adopt her if she cannot be returned to her original home.
By Sinéad. Posted in News
September 20th, 2011
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Photographer Anatoly Strakhov found this unfortunate/cute looking seal under a pile of logs on a Russian beach, completely isolated from his dark-furred cousins who were assembled by the shore.
The rare seal, from Tyuleniy Island, is not a true albino, but does have some albinistic features. Strakhov realised that his light colour and very poor eyesight could make life difficult for him in the wild – he had already been abandoned by his mother.
It now looks as if the baby seal, who is estimated to be 3 or 4 months old, won’t be facing rejection for much longer. The dolphinarium that the photographer works with has decided to take in the auburn orphan, where experts say he will live a relatively healthy life.
By Sinéad. Posted in Funny, News
September 16th, 2011
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Congrats are in order for Dublin Zoo, who welcomed a new hippo calf last Monday.
Heidi the mother hippopotamus delivered a healthy female calf weighing 30kg. She is the first hippo to be born at the zoo in 10 years.
Hippo team-leader Helen Clarke-Bennet says of the new arrival: “We are thrilled with the arrival of the hippo calf. Mum Heidi is taking to motherhood very well. Before she goes for her daily nap in the pool she lifts the baby out of the water and places the young calf onto the water bank. Then she props the baby onto her nose to make sure the youngster doesn’t fall into the pool while she is sleeping. It’s a joy to see Heidi taking good care of her young calf.”
Dublin Zoo is inviting the public to come up with a name for the baby, based on her African roots. Go to their facebook to make your suggestion and to be in with a chance of winning an annual family pass.
The calf joins fellow zoo newbies – male and female red panda cubs. Born at the beginning of August, the two are only now emerging from their den and are said to be settling in well to their new surroundings.
By Sinéad. Posted in News
September 15th, 2011
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Can you name this adorably big-eared, baby critter?
Is it
A. A jackal?
B. A silver fox?
C. A fennec fox?
Click here for the correct answer!
By Sinéad. Posted in Random
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