Social media has been lighting up this week with videos and photos of the latest viral sensation, a darling baby Pygmy hippo named Moo Deng. The sweet semi-aquatic mammal has captured hearts around the world from her zoo enclosure in Thailand.
Luckily for Chicagoans, the Windy City is home to plenty of its own exotic fur babies worthy of viral fame. From fluffy penguins to cuddly koalas, here are some of the cutest recent arrivals at Chicago’s local zoos!
Mexican Wolf Pups Sierra and Molly – Brookfield Zoo
Meet Mexican Wolf Pups Sierra and Molly, two of the latest cuddly additions to the Brookfield Zoo family! Sierra and Molly are part of a nine-pup litter born to parents Vivilette and Amigo on April 27, 2024.
Seven of the pups have since been relocated to a special facility in New Mexico, while Sierra and her sister Molly have remained in Chicago. The pups reportedly share an older brother named Ahote, born in 2023.
According to the Brookfield Zoo, Mexican Wolves are an endangered species, making Sierra and Molly’s recent arrival all the more exciting for conservationists.
Guests can visit Sierra, Molly, and the rest of the wolf family at the Regenstein Wolf Woods habitat during regular zoo hours.
African Penguin Chicks – Lincoln Park Zoo
The Lincoln Park Zoo ecstatically welcomed two endangered African Penguin chicks in June of this year. The feathered friends hatched after a 40-day incubation period according to the zoo, and have reportedly been adjusting well to life beyond the shell.
The fluffy avian friends were both born to parents Luna and Oliver, and one chick has been given to fellow penguin pair TJ and Sunny to be fostered.
According to the LP Zoo, the chicks have spent the past several months nesting, exploring, and being fed by their parents.
Within a year, the chicks will begin to molt, shedding their downy plumage and developing their signature tuxedo-like feathers.
Eventually, the chicks will learn how to swim and venture outside the nest to join the rest of the penguin colony at the Robert and Mayari Pritzker Penguin Cove.
Baby Beluga – Shedd Aquarium
The Shedd Aquarium celebrated the arrival of an adorable baby Beluga whale calf in July.
Born at the Abbott Oceanarium to 35-year-old mother Naya, the calf is now the youngest Beluga at the aquarium, replacing fellow whale friend Atlas born in 2020.
According to the aquarium, the calf weighed a healthy 105 pounds at birth and quickly took its first breath, marking a crucial first step for the ocean dweller.
Aquarium staff have reported the calf has shown great strength and a spirited disposition, demonstrating a promising outlook for its future.
The first few months of the baby whale’s life are vital. Aquarium staff are reportedly working around the clock to ensure the calf meets necessary milestones, including bonding with Naya, swimming, nursing, and gaining weight.
American Flamingo Chicks – Brookfield Zoo
Four American Flamingo Chicks broke free from their shells between July and August at the Brookfield Zoo. The pink-beaked baby birds are currently sporting a gray downy coat and will acquire their trademark pink feathers as they mature.
The chicks have been receiving expert care since hatching almost two months ago. Earlier this month, the birds began daily outdoor exploration sessions to build strength and prepare them to join the full flock.
The Brookfield Zoo has promised zoo-goers they can soon view the chicks at The Swamp habitat along with the rest of the flamingo family.
Pangolin Pup – Brookfield Zoo
Wondering what the heck a Pangolin is? You’re not alone! Animal lovers can learn all about the adorable armored creature at the Brookfield Zoo, where a baby Pangolin pup was born on July 25.
According to the Zoo, Pangolins are a species of mammal often referred to as “scaly anteaters,” native to parts of Asia and Africa. They sport a signature look with a narrow, anteater-like head, a “grasping” tail, and a scaly exterior to protect it from predators. The critters are highly trafficked in parts of the world and thus endangered at varying levels.
The Brookfield Zoo is one of a small sect of U.S. zoos with a successful Pangolin breeding program, according to the zoo. The newest “pangopup” represents a milestone for Pangolin conservation efforts and will help experts further understand the species and how to cultivate it.
Grevy’s Zebra Foal – Brookfield Zoo
On July 27, the Brookfield Zoo welcomed a majestic male Grevy’s zebra foal, born to mother Nyota and weighing 75 pounds. The foal is a welcome inclusion to the endangered population, adding to the 142 Grevy’s zebras cared for at zoos around the U.S.
The Brookfield Zoo works with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Grevy’s zebra conservation plan, which seeks to cultivate a stable population of the threatened species.
The foal has reportedly thrived under the watchful eye of staff and mother Nyota. Animal lovers can visit the striped mammal at the Brookfield Zoo’s outdoor zebra habitats.
Koalas Brumby and Willum – Brookfield Zoo
Last but not least are Chicago’s newest cuddly residents from the land down under. Koalas Brumby and Willum joined the Brookfield Zoo family from the San Diego Zoo on June 10 and have since been acclimating to their cozy new home at the Hamill Family Play Zoo.
The marsupial duo can be distinguished from one another by their distinctive markings. Willum, the larger of the pair, has a dark nose, while Brumby has an adorable pink spot on his snout.
The koalas were both born in 2022. With a typical lifespan of 13-18 years, the critters are just beginning their earthly journey, which includes snacking on eucalyptus leaves and sleeping up to 22 hours a day. What a life!
Let’s Go to the Zoo
With so many adorable animals to visit, now is the perfect time to plan your next trip to one of Chicago’s world-class zoological institutions. Be sure to visit the Brookfield Zoo, Lincoln Park Zoo, and Shedd Aquarium sites to view upcoming events and learn how you can get involved in animal conservation today.