Sussex Zoo Delights In Baby Boom Welcoming Thirteen Adorable ‘Zoo Borns’

Drusillas Zoo near Alfriston are celebrating a boom of adorable ‘zoo borns’ in recent months, after the healthy arrival of some seriously cute little ones.

Visitors coming to the zoo over the summer can look out for twin capybaras, dwarf mongoose triplets, a red-handed tamarin, a silvery marmoset and six prairie dog pups.

Visitor favourites, the capybaras, welcomed two new healthy and happy pups to their herd by ‘supermum’ Clementine.

The twins are ‘doing brilliantly’ according to keepers and are particularly fond of playing in their swimming pool.

Drusillas asked the public to help name the pair deciding on Pumpkin and Swede – fitting with the current naming theme with siblings Tango, Marmalade, Squash, and Satsuma (who recently joined Ventura Wildlife Park).

On July 22 the zoo also welcomed triplet dwarf mongoose pups – Hamish, Hubert, and Harris, who are delighting visitors with their playful and silly nature.

Their oldest sibling, Maverick was the first of the species born at the zoo in October 2022.

Mum, Goose, has proven to be a wonderful mum and is exceeding expectations as a busy mum of eight.

On June 30 keepers discovered a tiny red-handed tamarin infant clinging to mum, Isla.

The babe’s older siblings, Bowie and Ozzy are being sweet and supportive with the little one, and the public chose to keep the ‘rockstar’ naming theme choosing to name the new arrival Hendrix.

Keepers were delighted to discover a tiny silvery marmoset on 3rd May, to experienced parents Bonnie and Pearl.

The curious and confident babe was named ‘Nova’ by Drusillas online followers and is a real highlight for visitors who love to interact with her.

At the end of April, the Zoo also welcomed six new prairie dog pups who can be seen bobbing in and out of their burrows, and play fighting.

The public chose to name the brood Bluey, Bingo, Bandit, Chilli, Trixie, and Stripe after the popular children’s TV show.

In addition, visitors also thrill in meeting one year old Echo, the two toed sloth, who is starting to take her first steps off mum, and cheeky boy, Pedro, a one year old colobus monkey who is constantly ‘causing chaos’ according to his keepers.

Head Keeper, Gemma Romanis, commented:

“It seems like there are babies everywhere at the moment, it’s clear our animals have been… keeping busy!”

Gemma continued:

“It’s one of the best parts of our jobs seeing successful births. Many of our animals are part of EAZA Ex Situ Programmes (EEPs) to ensure threatened species have a healthy backup population in zoos, so it’s a vital role that zoos play in conservation.

"It’s possible we will have more new arrivals in the not-so-distant future too, so I have my fingers firmly crossed for the pitter patter of more paws and claws.”