TAMPA, FL — After the birth of Bonnie, a critically endangered Eastern bongo calf on Jan. 9, the baby boom continues at ZooTampa at Lowry Park.
The new arrivals since the start of the year include a marabou stork chick, a hamerkop chick, and two African spoonbill chicks, zoo officials said in a news release.
The births mark important milestones in the zoo’s ongoing conservation efforts, officials said.
Deep within the zoo’s African realm, the team welcomed a second critically endangered Eastern bongo calf, bringing the zoo’s Eastern bongo herd to nine. Bennett, a male calf, was born to Blitzen on Jan. 21 and weighed 51.5 pounds.
Also in Africa, the zoo celebrated the hatching of a Marabou stork on Jan. 29. The chick is the second for parents Will and Diana.
Over at the Canopy Aviary, the hatching of a Hamerkop chick marks the first baby born of its kind at the zoo.
“With the species classified as threatened, the chick represents a vital conservation victory and a proud moment for the team, who have worked diligently towards this milestone. The chick is growing quickly and exploring beyond the nest, while the first-time parents continue to care for her,” the news release said.
The bird team also welcomed two African spoonbill chicks on Jan. 22, which are thriving and getting stronger each day.
“We can’t think of a better way to start the year than with all the new moms and babies,” Chris Massaro, senior vice president and chief zoological officer, said. “Our recent baby boom is a momentous occasion for wildlife conservation and a testament to the world-class care provided by the animal care teams at ZooTampa.”