Summer Baby Boom
Diergaarde Blijdorp has been the scene of a real baby boom in recent months. Not only was a rare okapi born recently, but we also welcomed three bearded monkeys, seventeen flamingo chicks, a nest of young meerkats, rock hyraxes, two red pandas, a young mangabey, and some rheas. Youngsters of various kinds indeed.
Near the old entrance, the flamingo chicks are quite a sight. In a sea of pink, the fluffy chicks with their grey down feathers stand out as they try their best to balance on one leg.
Nearby, the three young bearded monkeys are busy playing and testing their limits with the older members of the group. The adult animals surprisingly allow a lot. We also see this with the white-crowned mangabeys.
Finally, it happened: 46 days after birth, the young forest giraffe finally pooped. This is completely normal for okapi calves. They stay in the nest for the first period, not pooping so as not to attract predators. The countdown to the first steps outside has now really begun. This does not (yet) apply to the little red pandas. They will stay in their nest box for the time being. But if you're lucky, you might see the mother moving her young from one nest to another.
In addition to the above 'big' animals, the meerkats and the rock hyraxes have also produced offspring. The slightly older brothers and sisters of the meerkats are already busy in their enclosure. The youngest generation will soon show their faces too, as will the young rheas. The chicks of this large flightless bird can't wait to explore their outdoor enclosure while running around.
In the coming weeks, Diergaarde Blijdorp will be all about summer. With numerous activities such as the summer square and the Saturday evening ZOOmer evenings. You can enjoy snacks, drinks, music, entertainment, and the zoo in the evening until 9:00 pm. This, combined with the current baby boom, makes Blijdorp the ultimate ZOOmer destination.