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The Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse, New York, has announced the birth of eight new baby animals, including six red wolf pups and two Humboldt penguin chicks. These births mark significant milestones for the zoo, as both species are considered at risk. The red wolf is critically endangered, with fewer than 20 individuals remaining in the wild, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The Humboldt penguins are classified as a vulnerable species.
The red wolf pups were born on May 3, 2025, to parents Evie and Sage. Currently, the pups are nursing in their den and are not yet visible to zoo visitors. Theo Campbell, the zoo’s carnivore collection manager, expressed excitement about the births, noting that the zoo had not had red wolves since the 1990s. Campbell stated, "Around a month they might start exploring outside."
The two Humboldt penguin chicks, named Domingo and Ramon, hatched in April to parents Peru and Cuatro. The zoo's Penguin Coast exhibit, which opened in 2005, has successfully hatched nearly 70 penguin chicks since its inception. According to Tammy Singer, the collection manager of small mammals, primates, and birds, the penguin chicks are beginning to emerge from their nest boxes and will become more visible to guests in the coming weeks.
Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon praised the zoo's efforts, stating, "These successful births and hatchings are a testament to the high-quality care provided to all the animal residents at the zoo by our team of trained animal care experts." The Rosamond Gifford Zoo participates in Species Survival Plans for both red wolves and Humboldt penguins, which aim to ensure the healthy breeding and management of these species.