Zoo Atlanta

07/08/2025

Congrats to the Bird Team for successfully fledging two superb starling chicks in the Grigsby Aviary! Superb starlings are notorious for their sneaky and challenging nesting skills, and this pair was no different. They nested at the top of the aviary above a heat lamp that is inaccessible to the team. Even though we were highly suspicious there were chicks in the nest due to the parents' behavior, we were pleasantly surprised when not one, but two chicks fledged. You can tell the chicks apart from their parents by their muted coloration, dark eyes, and pale yellow beaks. (photo: Bird Team)

07/02/2025

Amazing and meaningful work happening by the Golden Lion Tamarin Association, based in Brazil and one of Zoo Atlanta's signature conservation partners. These growing trees will someday be forest in Jennifer's Forest Corridor, established in 2024 in memory of the late Dr. Jennifer Mickelberg. When mature, this tract of restored forest will provide connected habitat for more than 3,000 wild golden lion tamarins.

This is what looks like!
Carlos Alvarenga, Associação Mico Leão Dourado Forest Engineer, reports that native tree seedlings planted in Jennifer’s Forest Corridor in September 2024 are doing well. The tallest trees in the recent photo, “maricá” and “pau jacaré” are now about 3m (almost 10 ft) high. These trees are fast-growing pioneer species useful in establishing forest corridors in degraded areas. Some of the smaller trees, such as “baba de boi” are about 1m (3 ft) tall and are flowering. When mature, they will produce fruits that GLTs eat.
Thank you so much to our wonderful donors! To learn more and how you can help, please go to https://www.savetheliontamarin.org/jennifer-mickelberg-memorial

06/27/2025

Mumbles has recently been enjoying the best wallowing of his life thanks to your generous donations! We'd like to give a huge shoutout to our wonderful community for contributing to Mumbles's birthday fund back in May - we were able to purchase two truckloads of wallowing materials, and our horned prince is loving it! (video: Amy A.)

06/27/2025

Gorilla gorilla gorilla – exciting news! In April, we shared that female gorilla Merry would be traveling later this year to become part of a brand-new troop at San Antonio Zoo’s new Congo Falls, opening in late 2025. In May, we shared that Merry’s half-sister Andi will be part of this new troop, too. And today’s special update is that Anaka will make it a trio! These three half-sisters won’t be leaving Zoo Atlanta until later in the year, so there’s plenty of time to come visit. These are great examples of outstanding collaboration between organizations within the Gorilla Species Survival Plan!

06/26/2025

Found in southern Africa’s Kalahari and Namib deserts, meerkats sunbathe to absorb heat quickly, allowing them to regulate their body temperature. Warming up this way boosts their energy, making them more alert and active for foraging and keeping watch for predators! - Kirby M., Elephant Care Team (video: Kirby M.)

06/25/2025

Remy was recently due for his yearly check-up! Go behind-the-scenes for the exam at the new Rollins Animal Health Center and learn how the Orangutan Team uses training to help the orangutans participate in their own healthcare.

06/24/2025

Say hello to the newest addition to our Ambassador Animals Team! Pancake is a 1-year-old ball python and comes to us from another AZA zoo. Welcome Pancake! (photo: Becky Y.)

06/23/2025

Meet this week's Animal All-Star - Mojave the sidewinder! This nocturnal species is famous for their specialized wiggling motion, which makes them the fastest of all rattlesnake species. Their unique form of locomotion also allows them to detect fine differences in the shifting sand substrate underneath them, including the slope of the dune. Simply put, sidewinders are truly all-star athletes even on some of the most challenging terrain!

Be sure to swing by the Zoo Saturday to snag Mojave's card, and, of course, mark your calendars for this year's MLB All-Star Game hosted by the Atlanta Braves on July 15!

06/20/2025

Nangka is getting so big and brave! As our youngest orangutan grows and becomes more independent, he is exploring his environment more. He enjoys playing with sticks, leaves and even grape stems! - Lynn Y., Orangutan Care Team (videos: Lynn Y.)

06/19/2025

We are absolutely loving the heartwarming bond Titan and Msholo have formed since Titan's arrival back in January. Bull elephant bonding plays a vital role in the social development and well-being of male elephants. While adult bulls are often perceived as solitary, younger males frequently form strong companionships, where they learn important social skills through sparring and play. These interactions help establish dominance hierarchies and contribute to emotional and physical health. Bonds between bull elephants can also reduce aggression, increase cooperation, and foster a sense of stability, particularly in managed environments. - Kirby M., Elephant Care Team