The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Ohio is experiencing a baby boom and that is a cause for celebration. In May and June 2020, several baby animals were born at the zoo including a Masai giraffe calf, two red panda pups, a sea lion pup, and a siamang baby.
These animals are all at risk for survival in the wild. “All of the species with the exception of the sea lions are endangered species,” Doug Warmolts, vice president of animal care at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, told TODAY.
All of the babies are thriving, according to Warmolts. “The first 30 days of life or so is always something we watch and monitor very closely,” he said. “Just like humans, that’s a very vulnerable time in the life of that individual. And so, we’re thrilled, optimistic that it’s happened.”
While the zoo was closed for three months due to coronavirus lockdowns, the staff was hard at work caring for the newborns and all of the animals according to a press release from the zoo, and reopened with limited hours and social distancing in June 2020.
