ADORABLE! Check out the baby boom at the Racine Zoo
RACINE (WITI) -- The Racine Zoological Society is beaming with excitement as Zoo staff prepares to introduce a bevy of new animal babies to guests.
Beginning Memorial Day weekend, guests can meet a baby woodchuck, skunk kitten, ostrich chicks, American alligator and Florida soft shell turtle hatchlings as well as the Zoo’s first ever baby octopuses!
Many of the babies will be housed in the Baby Animal Nursery within the Benstead Discovery Center.
Baby Skunk Kitten
Button quail chicks are expected to arrive within a week and guests will have the opportunity to watch as the eggs hatch in the nursery incubator.
Many of these new additions will transition into animal ambassadors and visit schools and other organizations with our Conservation Education staff.
“This baby boom is a wonderful opportunity for the community to interact, get close to and follow these animals as they develop from babies into adulthood,” said Jay R. Christie, Zoo president and CEO. “Plus, we all have our fingers crossed that our two Transvaal lions, Aslan and Azizi, produce a litter of cubs later this summer.”
Zoo members receive an exclusive sneak peek at the Zoo babies Thursday, May 22 from 6-8 p.m.
Members will be the first to interact with the new animals and will also enjoy a complimentary hot dog dinner, train rides, and other surprises.
Other popular attractions continue this year including the Giraffe Encounter where guests hand-feed Masai giraffes Bo and Mac, interacting with Australian birds within the Norco Aviary, and the Camel Encounter where guests feed Arabian camels Hugo and Stella their favorite vegetable treats.
This year is also jam-packed with special events for every age group including World Giraffe Day on June 21, the 19th Annual Cigar Dinner on July 17, the Car, Truck, and Bike Show on August 17, Zoo Debut on September 6, and many more.
A complete listing of events is posted on racinezoo.org.
About the Racine Zoo
Nestled along the sandy shores of Lake Michigan, the Racine Zoo is open year round. Current hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Admission rates are: Members and children two and under: FREE, children two to 15: $6, seniors: $7, and adults: $8. Racine County residents take $1 off with valid photo I.D.
For more information on the Racine Zoo, its programs and events, visit www.racinezoo.org, call 262.636.9189 and find us on Facebook and Twitter.