By VOICE-TRIBUNE • Photos Provided By Louisville Zoo
The Louisville Zoo has been bustling with excitement this year as a wave of new arrivals has brought fresh energy to its exhibits. From rare binturongs to koalas, and an array of baby animals, visitors have plenty of reasons to plan a visit. Here’s a roundup of some of the new additions that are captivating zoo-goers.
BIANCA THE BINTURONG
One of the most unusual arrivals is Bianca, the binturong, now residing in the Islands pavilion. Often called a “bearcat,” binturongs are actually more closely related to civets than either bears or cats. Weighing up to 70 pounds, Bianca has a unique prehensile tail and a scent similar to buttered popcorn, a product of a compound called 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline. This distinctive scent helps her mark her territory.
ADDAX CALF
Born on August 23, 2024, the zoo welcomed a female addax calf, weighing 19 pounds. This critically endangered species faces a real risk of extinction in the wild, making her birth and the zoo’s successful breeding program all the more exciting. The calf ’s mother, Reesie, and father, Winfield, are part of this ongoing effort with the young addax rotating into view in the Africa Zone.
FIRST GIRAFFE CALF IN OVER A DECADE
August also brought a rare sight for the Louisville Zoo: a Masai giraffe calf named Nyasi, the first giraffe born at the zoo in 12 years. Standing six feet tall at birth, Nyasi was welcomed into the world by his parents, Kianga and Baridi. His Swahili name, meaning “grass,” celebrates his connection to the African savannas. Nyasi is usually visible to the public between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., delighting visitors with his playful demeanor.
KAJI THE SUMATRAN TIGER CUB
Marking another historic moment, the Louisville Zoo recently celebrated the birth of a rare Sumatran tiger cub for the first time in two decades. Born to parents Kami Sambal and Jingga on July 23, the cub has been named Kaji—a blend of both parents’ names. Kaji’s birth contributes to the conservation of this endangered species, and while he’s currently resting after a minor paw injury, he’ll soon be back on exhibit.
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