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Buy Tickets Meet the Next Generation of Animal Ambassadors During Zoo Babies at the Cincinnati Zoo
May is Zoo Babies month at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
CINCINNATI (April 29, 2026) – The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is celebrating a baby boom, with several new arrivals already stealing the spotlight and charming guests of all ages. Zoo Babies, presented by General Electric Credit Union, runs the entire month of May and gives everyone the opportunity to fall in love with the newest additions to the Cincinnati Zoo.
“There are little ones in almost every area of the Zoo this year,” said Cincinnati Zoo director Dave Jenike. “Baby gorilla Mboka Jo, Teddy the serval, and black bear cubs Hazel and Juniper have stolen visitors’ hearts since their arrivals here, and newer babies, like the recently born skunk kits and the three new Asian small-clawed otter pups are sure to do the same. These babies help to bring attention to their species and remind guests of the importance of protecting their wild counterparts and the spaces where they live.”
Other babies of the class of 2026 include orphaned rescued manatees Hundo, Alfred, Slushy, Marshmallow the skunk, African and little blue penguin chicks, Alvin the blue duiker, Asian small-clawed otters Scuttle, Ripple, Splash, Puddles and Murphy the lesser kudu!
“All Zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) participate in managed breeding programs that recommend pairings based on genetics,” said Jenike. “It’s like matchmaking for humans but based on science and other factors that support the diversity and health of the overall population for each species. Not very romantic, but very important!”
Some of the babies are ambassador animals that are not visible on a set schedule but can often be seen in random encounters around the Zoo. Keep your eyes open for them and check the locations for other little ones here.
Bring your mom to see the babies on Mother’s Day, May 10! Moms get free admission and free seeds from General Electric Credit Union, while supplies last. Plant the seed paper, water daily, and watch your wildflowers grow!
The Zoo opens at 10 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. daily. Members get Early Entry and are welcome to enter the Zoo at 9 a.m. Download the mobile app featuring a GPS-enabled digital map to find the babies, food locations, and to receive special announcements. You can even create your own itinerary!