May is Zoo Baby Month in Cincinnati

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden has seen a baby boom since the beginning of 2026. There’s baby gorilla Mboka Jo, Teddy the serval and the adorable black bear cubs Hazel and Juniper, who have all enchanted zoo visitors since arriving. Recently, baby skunks and Asian small-clawed otter pups made their entrance as well.

“There are little ones in almost every area of the Zoo this year,” Cincinnati Zoo director Dave Jenike said in an April 29 press release. “…These babies help to bring attention to their species and remind guests of the importance of protecting their wild counterparts and the spaces where they live.”

The entire month of May serves as a spotlight for the new additions during Zoo Babies, which gives visitors the opportunity to fall in love with other new additions such as orphaned rescued manatees Hundo, Alfred and Slushy as well as Alvin the blue duiker and Murphy the lesser kudu. Some babies serve as animal ambassadors and are not on a set schedule but can be seen during random encounters around the zoo. (Keep an eye on the zoo’s Zoo Babies page for more information.)

The influx of babies is the result of accredited animal-breeding programs in which the zoo takes part.

“All Zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums participate in managed breeding programs that recommend pairings based on genetics,” Jenike said in the press release. “It's like matchmaking for humans but based on science and other factors that support the diversity and health of the overall population for each species.  Not very romantic, but very important!”

Moms get free admission to the zoo on Mother’s Day (May 10) and free wildflower seeds from presenting sponsor General Electric Credit Union while supplies last.

 For more information, visit cincinnatizoo.org.

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