Drusillas Zoo Park in Alfriston has welcomed 12 new additions to its family over the past few months.
Spring brought with it six prairie dog pups, all happy and healthy and doing well - and apparently very cute and playful.
On May 6th the arrival of two critically endangered cotton-top tamarins marked the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and received the names Queen and Duke in honour of her Maj.
The twins are thriving under the care of seasoned parents Florencia and Pasto and are just starting to venture off mum and dad’s backs and can be seen tumbling and climbing on their own.
Then on May 22, the meerkats welcomed a new addition born to mum Tamu and dad Tyson.
Visitors can meet the youngster during 'close encounters' experiences, enjoying nose-to-nose moments with the littlest member of the pack who is happily joining in clambering on laps and taking treats.
Squirrel Monkey Edme, born at the zoo just three years ago herself, has also welcomed her first baby, which clings to her mother wherever she goes.
Red handed Tamarins
On June 7, zookeepers discovered a tiny red-handed tamarin monkey peering out at them - a particularly special discovery as parents Isla and Kiwa sadly lost their first new born last year, making this a precious rainbow baby. The youngster has reportedly been winning hearts with its sweet habit of curiously tilting its head back and forth at all the visitors.
And for the first time in 11 years, the zoo announced the arrival of a capybara baby onJune 22, to first-time parents Clementine and Augustus. The Park asked the public to name the baby girl on social media, and chose to name her Satsuma (‘Suma’ for short) from the thousands of suggestions they received.
Head Keeper, Gemma Romanis, commented: “It feels like there are babies everywhere we look! Maybe there’s something in the water at the moment, as it’s evident our animals have been… keeping busy.”
Gemma continued: “It’s one of the best parts of our jobs seeing successful births, especially when we see arrivals from critically endangered species, or when animals we have raised become parents themselves. We can’t confirm anything yet, but I have a feeling there might be even more new little faces to meet this year. I have my fingers firmly crossed for the pitter patter of more paws and claws!”
Located just off the A27 in Alfriston, Drusillas Park is open daily from 10am. For more information please telephone 01323 874100 or visit www.drusillas.co.uk
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