Chessington Zoo has seen many new additions to the family over it’s 78 year history, with some very cute and furry babies being born all the time!
So far we have welcomed to the world of Chessington Zoo:
Sumatran Tiger Cubs
Chessington World of Adventures & Zoo is delighted to announce the arrival of two Sumatran Tigers cubs, one of the world's most endangered species, with only 500 in the wild. Born to Ratna and Batu, the male and female cubs are another major success for the Zoo's breeding programme as the pair's second set of cubs within two years.
Sumatran Tigers are native to the Indonesian island of Sumatra and are the smallest of existing tiger subspecies. Born on a grey and misty morning in February, Chessington Zoo keepers have named the pair Kabus (male) meaning grey, and Kelabu (female) meaning mist in Malay.
Pictures: Amanda Arculus
First King Vulture Chick
A rare baby King Vulture chick has hatched at Chessington World of Adventures & Zoo, the first EVER to be born in the UK! King Vultures have the most powerful bills of the New World Vultures and are native to Central and South America.
Mother, Gladys, laid her egg on Christmas Eve with both parents incubating it until it hatched just over a month ago. Keepers at Chessington Zoo have named the new addition Tatin meaning 'small cute chick' in Spanish!
Spider Monkey
A baby Spider Monkey has been born at Chessington World of Adventures & Zoo in February 2008 as the Park continues to celebrate it's successful conservation of animals. Spider Monkeys, considered amongst the most intelligent 'new world' monkeys, have disproportionately long and spindly limbs - inspiring the name.
The two week old female's mother is currently being very protective over her daughter, keeping her close to her at all times. Keepers at Chessington Zoo have named the new born Chiquita meaning 'little' in Spanish.
Binturong Baby
A rare baby Binturong named Sunti was born at Chessington World of Adventures & Zoo in February 2008, the first to be born in the UK for ten years! Binturongs, also know as Bearcats, are sloth-like mammals native to South East Asia.
Persian Leopard Cub
On the 25 July 2006, mother Shakira gave birth to a healthy and beautiful cub – the first Persian Leopard born in the UK for five years. Shakira, four and the cub's 12-year-old father, Kalaf are both first time parents. They are part of an international breeding programme for endangered species and their successful breeding is a big win for the conservation of these amazing animals.
3 Baby Skunks
The baby Skunks finally arrived at Chessington! The three baby skunks are called Flower, Pepe and Fifi - three little girls who are so excited to grow a little bit so that they can move into their new home in Creature Features. Check back for updates here.
6 Capybaras born to Temo and Pilli
Our baby Capybaras, were born in May 2006 and were the first of our zoo babies to arrive. Capybaras are the largest rodents in the world! You can see the adorable creatures in the Capybara enclosure next to our Children’s Zoo.
3 Otters born to Guinevere and Lancelot
You can spot our baby Otters who were born in 2006 in the Otter Pool at the entrance to the park splashing around with their parents Guinevere and Lanelot!
2 Red-Legged Seriema
These chicks were born at the end of May 2006 and are growing fast. The chicks were covered in long, light brown feathers and followed their parents around closely! Can you spot them in Monkey & Bird Garden?
2 Californian Sea lions
Our first baby pup was born to Ursa and Boris – this is the 39th pup born to Boris, the oldest Sea lion in Europe! He was born at in the middle of June 2006 and can be seen in the Sea Lion Pool. His name is Boston.
Our other Sea Lion pup was born to Pebbles (and Boris making this his 40th pup) on the 24th June 2006. He is also out in the Sea lion pool playing with Boston and their older sister Ocean, who was born in 2005.'
And finally...
Even the ducks at Chessington are celebrating with some new arrivals! Nestling on the shores in Mystic East is a family of ducks - with five adorable little ducklings! Can you spot them behind the big buddha?
