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We’ve come a long way since opening our doors way back in 1889! Zoo Atlanta has changed dramatically since the earliest days of our Victorian origins, from the fascinating series of events that led to Atlanta’s first zoo, to the legendary Willie B., to the history of our giant panda program. We thank you for being part of the journey , our story is still being told!
Our story began in 1889 with a traveling menagerie that went bankrupt near Atlanta , and never left.
Zoo Atlanta is fortunate to have an outstanding group of business and community leaders, advocates and ambassadors dedicated to the Zoo and its success.
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The Giant Pandas Have Landed!

Neonate Census Time

Senior Day presented by Kaiser Permanente

A Bright-eyed, Spunky Baby Monkey

Sadness and Joy in The Ford African Rain Forest

Time is Running Out for Tickets to Sippin’ Safari Presented by PNC Bank

The secret life of keeper pockets

International Vulture Awareness Day and my work with VulPro

An exciting milestone for Ewaso Lions’ Lion Kids Camp

U at the Zoo Presented By Cricket Wireless

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Dr. Joe Mendelson

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Raymond B. King

To our Zoo Atlanta community: We are heartbroken to share that Zuri, a 2-year-old female southern white rhino, has died following a brief illness. Zuri experienced a sharp decline in her health and behavior earlier this week, and blood tests revealed severe anemia. Our Veterinary Team immediately administered extensive treatments, including an emergency blood transfusion using compatible blood from adult female Dakari and blood donated from other AZA facilities. Despite the team’s quick work and intensive care, Zuri continued to decline and died on November 6. “This is a devastating loss for the Zoo Atlanta team,” said Sam Rivera, DVM, Vice President of Animal Health. “The loss of Zuri is crushing not only because she was such a young animal who was treasured as an individual, but also because she was an incredibly valuable member of her vulnerable species. While it is too early for us to presume on any specific cause, we are hopeful that pathology reports will tell us more about Zuri’s condition.” Beloved throughout Zoo Atlanta as the first southern white rhino calf ever born at the Zoo, Zuri arrived on Christmas Eve in 2023 and was the first offspring of mother Kiazi and father Mumbles. The name Zuri, a moniker of Swahili origin which can mean “beautiful,” was the winner among more than 4,000 votes submitted during the Zoo’s 2024 “Rhino Naming Madness” – an event which further endeared Zuri to the community well outside the Zoo. The Rhino Care Team continues to closely monitor Kiazi and Zuri’s “aunt” Dakari, with whom Zuri spent most of her time, and is providing them with extra care following the loss of their daughter and herd-mate. The largest of the five rhino species, southern white rhinos are not actually white in color, despite their name. The name is believed to have originated with the Afrikaans word wyd, meaning “wide” – a reference to the shape of white rhinos’ upper lips. A necropsy will be performed through the Zoo’s partnership with the University of Georgia Zoo and Exotic Animal Pathology Service in the College of Veterinary Medicine. Preliminary results should be available in several weeks. (Photo: Kate R.)

Arthur M. Blank Panda Grove is officially open at Zoo Atlanta! We’re so excited to welcome visitors to this incredible new space and celebrate another exciting chapter in the Zoo's commitment to wildlife, conservation, and education. Get ready for some panda-monium and plenty of unforgettable moments!

NOW OPEN: ARTHUR M. BLANK PANDA GROVE! 🐼🐼 Ping Ping and Fu Shuang have made their long-awaited debut in all-new habitat spaces. @blankfoundation

Fu Shuang is here to help demonstrate what we know will be one of our top questions: “How do I tell the pandas apart?” Here are a few pointers from the Panda Care Team: “Fu Shuang has a round face with a ridge of fur between her ears that frames her face. Ping Ping is noticeably larger than Fu Shuang and has a ‘Y’ down the bridge of his nose.” You may find a few distinguishing characteristics to look for on your own when Arthur M. Blank Panda Grove opens this Friday, November 6!

New members of one of the world’s rarest bird species. If you’ve seen the news surrounding Zoo Atlanta, you know it has been buzzing about a certain pair of black-and-white bears recently. Yes, these fuzzy new additions are cute and exciting, but personally I’m even more excited about a certain black, white, and BLUE bird hatching here at the Zoo: the critically endangered Bali myna starling. These gorgeous birds are covered in snow white plumage, tipped with black on the wings and tail, and sport electric blue patches of skin around the eyes. Both sexes have long, feathery crests on their heads, though the males’ can be longer than the females’ at times. Unfortunately, this beautiful coloration and plumage, as well as their intricate song and ability to mimic sounds (sometimes even words!), make these birds a hot commodity in the pet trade. Found solely in one small region of Bali, an island that is smaller than the size of Rhode Island, Bali mynas were already a rare species. With the pressures of illegal poaching for the pet trade, their already small population has been decimated, and in 2001 hit a critical low of only six individuals. Miraculously, through intense conservation efforts such as breeding and reintroduction as well as habitat protection, the Bali myna is slowly on the road to recovery. In the most recent population survey of 2025, it is estimated that there are about 600 Bali mynas living in the wild. That’s 100 times more than in 2001! Despite this conservation success, wild Bali mynas still face the daily threat of illegal poaching for the pet trade, as well as an ever-shrinking habitat due to human encroachment. However, even with these continuing roadblocks, conservationists and AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums refuse to stop fighting for this little black, white, and blue starling’s survival. Zoo Atlanta currently houses several Bali mynas, and this year has had six chicks hatch under breeding recommendations from the Bali myna Species Survival Plan (SSP). So next time you come to visit, take a minute to check out the Bali mynas. Wouldn’t it be fun to brag about seeing one of the rarest birds in the world? (photo: Bird Team)

Starting off your week with a super cutie … or should we say, “superb” cutie! This superb starling chick hatched in the Grigsby Aviary earlier this fall. Its parents nested so high in the aviary that the Bird Team wasn’t even sure they had chicks or eggs until after this little guy fledged!

It's pumpkin season at the Zoo! From festive fall decorations to adorable animal enrichment, the Zoo has certainly got into the spooky spirit.

Let’s talk physiology! A frequent question we receive as keepers is, how good are gorillas at jumping? And the answer is they aren’t, really. Looking at Floyd, we can see why. His forearms are longer than his hind legs, meaning these animals are built better for climbing than jumping. Seeing him out on habitat definitely shows that! #SilverbackStory – Emily B., Gorilla Care Team #OnlyZooATL (photo: Emily B.)

Ping Ping is very adventurous, says the Panda Care Team! In one of his first visits to his indoor dayroom, he was quick to snack atop a climbing structure. We’re counting down the days until you can meet your new favorite bears when Arthur M. Blank Panda Grove opens November 6!

Talk about a one-lizard show! Say hello to our newest baby whiptails hatched for the first time here at Zoo Atlanta. These little ones are a great introduction to parthenogenesis—a reproductive process in which offspring hatch from eggs which are not fertilized by males. Keeper Claire shares more.

The WNBA finals are *neck and neck*, but Calvin the giraffe and the Zoo Atlanta Team are cheering for @atlantadream to pull ahead of the @valkyries tonight! What are you up to @oaklandzoo and @georgiaaquarium ?🦒💙🏀 #AllForAtlanta

National Vet Tech Week wraps up today– Let's meet Cameron Hogue ! We have had the pleasure of highlighting our Vet Techs all this week so be sure to look back and learn about all our amazing Vet Techs. #OnlyZooATL

National Vet Tech Week continues – today, meet Leatitia Bedminster ! We’ll be highlighting our incredible Vet Techs individually all week so stay tuned. #OnlyZooATL

Here’s your first look at Fu Shuang in one of her new indoor panda dayrooms — and just in time to celebrate her birthday! Fu Shuang turned 6 on October 18 and enjoyed a special ice “cake” and a festive arrangement of bamboo earlier this week. Help us wish Fu Shuang a very happy birthday as we count down welcoming guests to Arthur M. Blank Panda Grove, opening on November 6!

National Vet Tech Week continues – today, meet Danielle Stewart! We’ll be highlighting our incredible Vet Techs individually all week so stay tuned. #OnlyZooATL

The pandas have arrived, and @cricketwireless and Zoo Atlanta will keep fans connected to every moment! All eyes will be on Atlanta through PandaCam presented by Cricket, connecting fans from around the world with Ping Ping and Fu Shuang the giant pandas. Fans will be able to observe giant panda behaviors as Cricket and Zoo Atlanta make sure no one misses a panda milestone. Cricket Wireless and Zoo Atlanta have announced a multi-year renewal of their relationship, ensuring Cricket will continue its role as a proud sponsor of one of Atlanta’s most beloved community destinations. Building on years of support, the renewed agreement will bring even more opportunities for Atlanta families and Zoo visitors to connect with the Zoo and its beloved animals. “At Cricket, we believe connection can bring people closer to the moments they love, whether they’re together at the Zoo or watching from home,” said Angela Rittgers, president of Cricket Wireless. “Through our continued support of Zoo Atlanta and the return of PandaCam, families and fans everywhere can follow Ping Ping and Fu Shuang and share in every memorable moment.” “Giant pandas are a rare and treasured species beloved by people around the world. Thanks to our partnership with Cricket Wireless, with the launch of PandaCam, panda fans will be able to watch them regardless of where they are,” said Raymond B. King, president and CEO of Zoo Atlanta. “We look forward to new opportunities to engage our visitors and community through this valued collaboration.” Together, Cricket Wireless and Zoo Atlanta will continue creating memorable experiences that bring families, communities, and panda fans closer to the moments they love. *Stay tuned for exciting announcements on the launch of PandaCam!*

Happy National Vet Tech Week! Swipe through to meet Melanie Haire. We’ll be highlighting our incredible Vet Techs individually all week so stay tuned. #OnlyZooATL #vettechweek

We took a field trip to Midtown! 🐼🎉 Happy 100th birthday to our friends at the @highmuseumofart . Here’s to the next 100 years!

Inspired by our city’s newest special arrivals, this charming yard flag is the perfect way to show your pride for Zoo Atlanta. But don’t wait - this fundraiser ends October 28 and is only available online! Click the link in our bio to purchase now. See you at Arthur M. Blank Panda Grove, opening November 6. Thanks for your support!

When you’re a panda, life really is this uncomplicated. Ping Ping is here to show us the specialized jaw and skull structure adaptations that allow giant pandas to so effortlessly break up bamboo.

Zoo Atlanta got a spooky makeover, isn't it BOO-tiful? Boo at the Zoo presented by Georgia Natural Gas starts this weekend.

Equinox is on a very important mission and that's to bring some joy to your social feed. Video: Rachael R.

Atlanta’s favorite fun family Halloween festival is back! Our merry, not scary Halloween festival, Boo at the Zoo presented by Georgia Natural Gas returns for five days this year! Join us Oct. 17, 18, 24, 25 and 31 for strolling characters, carnival games, music and more. Activities are free for Members and with general admission. Click the link in our bio for more information! #OnlyZooATL

Fu Shuang can’t have all the video love – meet PING PING! This charming fellow settled in from day one! Both Ping Ping and Fu Shuang continue to acclimate very well and are eating a variety of new bamboo species and bamboo shoots. Stay tuned for special panda updates, weekly at Noon EST, on Zoo Atlanta’s social networks, and get ready to meet Ping Ping and Fu Shuang when their new home in Atlanta, Arthur M. Blank Panda Grove, opens on November 6!

More GIANT panda news! Count down the days until you can meet Ping Ping and Fu Shuang: Zoo Atlanta is thrilled to announce the name of the new panda habitat – Arthur M. Blank Panda Grove – AND its opening day, set for Friday, November 6! Click the link in our bio for the full story.

New sights, new smells, and new places to explore. Come join Elbow on his enrichment walk around the Zoo.

Both happiness and sadness came in black-and-white this week. Just as the past few days brought so much joy with the arrival of Ping Ping and Fu Shuang, we also had to say goodbye to a special member of our African Savanna herd: Imara the zebra, who passed away unexpectedly earlier this week. The Zebra Care Team shares: “The cute zebra with the white-tipped ears, Imara came to us just a few years ago and quickly earned a place in our hearts. She and male Wembe bonded quickly to make a herd of two. It took Imara a little longer to welcome new female Neighomi into her circle, but once she did, the two of them were best buds, and Imara bridged the acceptance gap between Neighomi and Wembe. Out on the African Savanna habitat is where her spunky personality really shone. In typical zebra fashion, she tried to rule the habitat, chasing the other zebras from time to time and trying to push the giraffes out of the way at the alfalfa feeder. She will be greatly missed.” The team is keeping a close eye on Wembe and Neighomi and are providing extra TLC to ensure they adjust to her loss. Our thoughts are with Imara’s caregivers. (Photo: Susan W.)

First update on Ping Ping and Fu Shuang! (This is Fu Shuang – meet one of the two new loves of your life!) Atlanta’s newest arrivals are exceeding the team’s expectations in terms of their acclimation. Both Ping Ping and Fu Shuang are eating well and adjusting more and more each day. The pandas are not yet visible – stay tuned for future announcements about when you’ll be able to meet them! #ZAPandas #OnlyZooATL

Take a look at Ping Ping’s and Fu Shuang’s landing and travels to Zoo Atlanta this morning! (Video courtesy of @fedex )

Thrilling news: The giant pandas have landed! Zoo Atlanta is overjoyed to announce that giant pandas Ping Ping and Fu Shuang have arrived in Atlanta. They’re not yet visible – but we can’t wait to introduce them to you as we usher in a new era for Atlanta pandas! Photo courtesy of @fedex

Help Zazu win! Sixteen African hornbills from zoos around the world have competed tournament-style to be crowned Hornbill of the Year—and Zoo Atlanta's very own Zazu has officially made it to the semi-finals! Vote for her by donating $5 per vote using the link in our bio and help cheer her on to victory! Proceeds will benefit AZA African Hornbill SAFE. (photos: Bird Team)

Today is World Gorilla Day! As the proud home of one of the largest populations of gorillas in North America – with a gorilla program recognized and followed by peers around the world, and with a decades-long commitment to gorilla conservation – we encourage everyone to celebrate gorillas today and importantly, think about what you can do to help save these irreplaceable great apes in the wild for future generations. Today and every day, a big hello and thank you from your favorite gorillas at Zoo Atlanta! #WorldGorillaDay

Bisbee the Gila Monster is turning 40 years old! He hatched at Zoo Atlanta on September 25, 1986, where he lived in the old reptile house and moved to Scaley Slimy Spectacular when the new building opened in 2016. Bisbee lives in Scaley Slimy Spectacular in habitat #28 near the Alligator Snapping Turtle Habitat. Bisbee is a herpetology staff favorite with a beautiful orange and black pattern, and a laidback personality. He spends most of his time on the left side of his habitat in the rock cave with just his tail sticking out unless there happens to be food involved. Bisbee is an enthusiastic eater and has a fat tail to show for it. He is fed once per week, typically during our Gila Monster keeper talk on Fridays, and lives with a younger female Gila Monster and a Common Chuckwalla. Come celebrate Bisbee's big day with us during the Gila Monster Keeper Talk on Friday September 25th at 1:00 PM!

Come along with me, Senior Bird Keeper Kelsey M., as I walk you through laundry day as an Animal Care Specialist! Swipe for the full story. #OnlyZooATL

A day in the life of our Ambassador Animal Team! Check out our stories for more and stay tuned for our next Takeover.

Meet the faces behind the care! Welcome to our all-new #Takeover Series! Throughout the year, you'll get to meet team members from different departments across the Zoo and go behind the scenes to see what their day-to-day work is really like! Today, our Ambassador Animals Team is taking over our Stories to give you a behind-the-scenes look at life as a Zoo Atlanta Animal Care Specialist. Swipe through to meet some of the incredible people who care for the animals you know and love every day. Be sure to follow along in our Stories throughout the day for exclusive behind-the-scenes moments, keeper insights, and plenty of animal content. Make sure to stay tuned later today for a Day in the Life Reel featuring even more from their daily routines!

Zoo Atlanta will close early tomorrow, Sept. 19 for Sippin’ Safari presented by PNC Bank. Gates will close at 1:30 p.m. and grounds will close at 3 p.m. Haven't snagged your tickets yet? Grab them at the link in our bio before they're gone! #OnlyZooATL

Equinox may have little legs but they never shy away from a big adventure! #OnlyZooATL

We’re back with our next video in our new Animal BFF Series! Hear more about Floyd and Mija’s sibling bond from Celyn. #OnlyZooATL

Beginnings and endings define the cycle of life for all living things on Earth, and this month, Zoo Atlanta experiences both within our historic population of gorillas in The Ford African Rain Forest: the passing of the oldest gorilla at the Zoo, Machi, and the joy and anticipation of a new pregnancy for Lulu. Both stories weave extensive family ties to some of Zoo Atlanta’s most legendary individuals. “It is part of the life of any zoological organization to both mourn the passing of senior individuals and to look forward to the arrival of new infants. Both are especially resonant in the case of a critically endangered species,” said Gina Ferrie, PhD, Vice President of Collections and Conservation. “Machi was a beloved and extraordinary individual and an irreplaceable part of our story. At the same time, Lulu will bring a new life to the gorilla population – an event that is always worth celebrating.”

A bright-eyed, spunky baby monkey Hi everyone! My name is Natalie and I am a Small Primate Keeper here at Zoo Atlanta. I recently joined the team here after moving from New York, where I worked at the Long Island Aquarium. If you have visited us at the Zoo recently, you might have been lucky enough to spot the new and adorable addition to our area, our baby Schmidt’s guenon, who was born in the late afternoon of August 6. While we do not know the gender of the infant quite yet, we have learned so much already about this bright-eyed, spunky monkey! This baby is the very first offspring from Schmidt's guenon parents Bam and Nafis, who were paired up as part of a Species Survival PlanⓇ (SSP). SSPs will coordinate between facilities to pair up genetically diverse animals and make a breeding recommendation, which then helps to promote the conservation of that species. While this recommendation has made Nafis a first-time dad, Bam has already had two kids here at Zoo Atlanta! You can see her daughter Flynn and son Jack in the habitat as well. As time flies with this third offspring, I wanted to go over all of the little milestones going on in Baby Schmidt’s life. Schmidt’s guenon development is very quick compared to their neighbors in their habitat, our Angolan colobus. While Angolan colobus might take up to a month to begin locomoting on their own, Schmidt’s guenons make jumps and strides within their first week of life! Check out the milestones Baby Schmidt’s has already achieved: August 6 – Bam keeps the baby tight to her chest, and we see very little of the newborn. August 7 – Baby already has eyes wide open and is reaching for things in the habitat. August 11 – Baby is mobile off of mother Bam and is exploring independently in short spurts. August 14 – Baby is starting to jump around and is also seen bonding with big sister Flynn. August 21 – Baby has a busy day of playtime with big siblings Jack and Flynn. August 23 – Arboreal instincts kick in, and baby is climbing branches and cables in the habitat. (Photo: Natalie C) Natalie C. Keeper I, Primates

Zazu and her gorgeous eyelashes need your vote! The AZA African Hornbill SAFE is hosting the first-ever “Battle of the Hornbills” to raise funds to help African hornbill conservation researchers attend the International Hornbill Conference in Goa, India, in February 2027. Sixteen African hornbills from zoos around the world will compete tournament-style to be crowned Hornbill of the Year and Zoo Atlanta’s very own Zazu, AKA “The Stabbing Queen,” is in the running! You can vote for Zazu by clicking the Battle of the Hornbills link in our bio and donating $5 per vote. Help us send Zazu to the top! Proceeds will benefit AZA African Hornbill SAFE. Voting ends Monday, September 14, at 11:59 p.m., so vote now! (Photo: Claire S.)

Hi, I'm Calvin. Join me for my #WildlifeWildcard !

Play the Animal Way was a big day for our feathered friends. They spent the day enjoying novel objects and activities that encouraged all their amazing natural behaviors! (Video: Caroline.B)

All of us right now after the holiday weekend… Did you know lions sleep around 18 hours a day? #OnlyZooATL

Happy International Vulture Awareness Day! (Photos: @vulpro.official )

Swooping into your holiday weekend with the whoosh of wings! You never know who you'll meet -- on the fly or on a glove -- at Fantastic Flights at the World of Wild Theater presented by Georgia Natural Gas! Check it out on Saturdays and Sundays at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. See you there! Presentation schedule is subject to change based on weather, staff, or animal care needs, so be sure to check our online schedule of activities or ask any member of our team! #OnlyZooATL

We’re kicking off a new series highlighting some of the special bonds between our animals and first up are Patagonian maras, Rachel and Reuben! These two are pretty much inseparable. We’re here to share why and a little bit more about their species. Stay tuned to meet more of Zoo Atlanta’s bonded pairs! #OnlyZooATL

Stripes, horns, and birthday wishes! This past month in the African Savanna we celebrated two animal birthdays. Neighomi the zebra and Dakari the rhino both recently enjoyed special birthday festivities (a hay surprise for Neighomi and a pill ball enrichment toy for Dakari). Happy birthday month to this striped and mighty duo! (Photo. Emma H.)

Current college students receive free admission September 13, from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.! If you're not a student, we're offering $10 off admission for guests wearing college swag. Guests will enjoy music, crafts and more … that’s quite a syllabus! It’s all happening at U at the Zoo presented by Cricket Wireless at Zoo Atlanta. Hope to see U there! Click the link in our bio for more information! #OnlyZooATL

Coming soon to Scaly Slimy Spectacular: The Amphibian and Reptile Experience! Swipe for the full story. #OnlyZooATL

Adahy the corn snake recently celebrated his 10th birthday! You might meet Adahy, who’s one of the ambassador animals in our Wieland Wildlife Home, in an animal encounter out on Zoo grounds. Wish him a happy birthday if you do! (photo: Roxanne B.)

This Saturday, August 29, come paint like an elephant, scavenge like a vulture, or forage like a gorilla during Play the Animal Way! In addition to human enrichment, animals throughout the Zoo will investigate the most colorful surprises of the year, sniff out their favorite scents, and solve challenging puzzles. Saturday is also our third-annual Electronics Recycling Event hosted by the Zoo Atlanta Green Team! From 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. we’ll collect cell phones and small electronic devices to recycle with our partner ecocell. Proceeds from small electronics recycling will support the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Gorilla SAFE (Saving Animals from Extinction) Program. See our website for more info on items accepted. Click the link in our bio for more information on both events this Saturday. #OnlyZooATL

This month we celebrated Rinca the Komodo dragon's 16th birthday! The Herpetology Team prepared him a birthday “cake” that consisted of a base made of ground meats, the "frosting" was whipped egg whites, and the toppings were chicks, mice, and diced fish. Help us wish Rinca a happy scaly 16th birthday!

Floyd and the Tub 2: This time with bubbles! Everyone’s favorite future silverback (and his tub!) is back for bubble play, heckling other family members, and general good times! The great apes at Zoo Atlanta enjoy interacting with bubbles (nontoxic, of course, and approved for use by our Veterinary Team) in their behind-the-scenes areas. Note: This video was taken in the gorillas’ behind-the-scenes indoor night area, which is separate from their outdoor habitat in The Ford African Rain Forest. #SilverbackStory – Shannon W., Gorilla Care Team #OnlyZooATL (video: Shannon W.)

Happy #WorldOrangutanDay ! Swipe to read more about our support for the Bornean Orangutan Survival Foundation ( @orangutan_survival ) through the Mabel Dorn Reeder Conservation Endowment Fund from Champion Lynn Y. (photos: Lynn Y.)

Cheep Cheep Hooray for a critically endangered species! The Bird Team is excited to announce that THREE blue-crowned laughingthrush chicks recently hatched successfully at Zoo Atlanta. The blue-crowned laughingthrush is one of the most endangered species at the Zoo, with some estimating there are fewer than 250 left in the wild in only one province in China.(Photos: Bird Team)

They may be small, but they’re not short on personality! Our Herpetology Team is excited to share news of the recent births of 14 baby copperhead snakes. These tiny bundles of scales also represent a native species with intrinsic ecological value to habitats here in Georgia, including metro Atlanta. #OnlyZooATL

Happy #GoldenFrogDay ! Evan from the Herpetology Team shares some of the conservation efforts with Panamanian golden frogs that he's been working on through Zoo Atlanta. Swipe to read more!

Cuteness Alert! 🚨 The Bird Team is excited to announce the successful hatching of a tawny frogmouth chick. This chick was hatched via an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) recommendation. The chick’s parents, Small Fry and Jabba, are very experienced! Some of our guests may remember our potato themed names for their previous offspring: Hash Brown, Tater Tot, Latke, and Pierogi. This year we decided to give father Jabba some love and named the chick Rotta. Our guests can currently see the parents and chick in the aviary across from the Grigsby Aviary on the bird path. #OnlyZooATL (Photos: Bird Team).

Your $10 discount on tickets to Sippin’ Safari presented by PNC Bank ends Sunday, August 16! Don’t miss your chance to experience the Zoo without children running around – it’s your turn to act like a kid while sippin’ adult-beverages. Tickets include: - Wine samples - Evening animal viewing - Free carousel rides - Live music throughout the Zoo and more! Join us September 19 if you love wine and wildlife. Click the link in our bio to purchase tickets now before the prices increase. #OnlyZooATL

A tiny newborn monkey is the newest arrival in Zoo Atlanta’s Ford African Rain Forest. Bam the Schmidt’s guenon gave birth to an infant on August 6, 2026. The infant, who may be spotted with Mom in their outdoor habitat, appears strong and is clinging tightly to Bam, who is providing appropriate maternal care.

Just like humans, gorillas find ice to be a refreshing treat or just a fun way to cool down in the summer sun! Willie B. III decided a fun ice treat was the way to go! #SilverbackStory – Sherri K., Gorilla Care Team #OnlyZooATL (video: Sherri K.)

It’s difficult to say goodbye to someone who brought only joy – and anyone who has ever known an otter cannot help but know joy. Earlier this week, it became apparent that our male giant otter, Bakairi, showed signs of not feeling well, as well as decreased appetite. He was anesthetized for a veterinary exam, and the Veterinary Team discovered that Bakairi was in end-stage kidney failure. Given his poor prognosis – and hoping to avoid discomfort for what may only have been a matter of weeks left to him – our teams made the difficult and heartbreaking decision to humanely euthanize him on August 6. Bakairi’s habitat mate, his aunt Tocantins (or “Toca” to most of us) had an opportunity to say goodbye. We’ll miss Bakairi’s loud voice – audible throughout the lower Zoo! – and his equally larger-than-life personality that not only kept our Members and guests enthralled when they saw him, but which also introduced countless people to his critically endangered species – the world’s largest otter species and native to the Amazon. “Bakairi came to Zoo Atlanta 12 years ago and let all who were near his habitat know when he was hungry,” recalls Adrianna R., Carnivore Keeper. “His unforgettable voice will be missed sorely … watching him throughout his life was a privilege the whole team will never forget.” Our thoughts and hearts are with his care team, who knew him best and who are navigating the loss of a friend.

The Bird Team is excited to announce the arrival of a new female hamerkop as part of an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Signature Species Survival Plan (SSP) breeding recommendation. The Bird Team is calling her "Honey", and she has been introduced to our current male, "Hammy", in The Living Treehouse aviary. Honey and Hammy are a very important pair within AZA. No ifs, ands, or birds about it, nothing's sweeter than Honey & Hammy.

Today is Clouded Leopard Day, and we have the perfect conservation connection to share with you in thinking of Boon’s wild counterparts. Mammal Keeper Michelle E. recently left the Zoo for an exciting new chapter – you’ll find her in a new role at another AZA zoo to the south! – but she left a conservation legacy when she championed the @wildlife_alliance , one of the organizations supported by Zoo Atlanta’s Mabel Dorn Reeder Conservation Endowment Fund. Learn more about what inspired her!

The gorillas here at Zoo Atlanta are offered various types of browse materials daily. By “browse,” we mean edible plant material like leaves, branches, grasses, and shoots. One of the more popular types of browse is banana plants! Willie B. III certainly agrees – listen to those satisfying crunching sounds! #Silverback Story – Celyn F., Gorilla Care Team (video: Celyn F.)

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