There’s a baby boom at Fresno Chaffee Zoo: ‘It’s just been a whirlwind’

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – The birth of a baby warthog has ushered in baby mania at the Fresno Chaffee Zoo, according to officials who say they’ve seen an unprecedented number of animal births at the zoo.

The zoo’s one and only piglet, Ua, was born on April 26; she is the latest animal born at the zoo over the past 10 months.

“We started our year off with kind of a baby boom,” Zoological Specialist Molly Archdeacon said. “Starting with our African elephants – Davu and Thando.”

Archdeacon says that after Davu and Thando were born, a litter of meercat pups were born, then two lion cubs and then a second litter of meercat pups.

“We’re really excited. It’s just been a whirlwind with all these babies coming in,” Archdeacon said. “So you’ve got to come to the zoo before they get to adult size – especially our warthog. She’s already growing her warts on her tusks, so she’s not going to be a cute baby for very long.”

Archdeacon says the baby boom at the zoo is indicative of the animals being happy and healthy, which she says not only makes everyone else happy but could also be indicative of more babies to come, keeping all zookeepers on their toes.

“It really goes to show that the care that we all put forth into our animals and into our exhibits,” Archdeacon said. “With our warthog. This is her first pregnancy and piglet. It’s not uncommon for them to have 1 to 2 in their first litter, but that’s our practice round. She could have up to six the next time she gives birth.”

Archdeacon says the baby boom is exciting, but more than anything she says it’s heartwarming knowing all the newly born animals are able to grow in a stable, healthy environment in captivity.

“Under human care our animals’ life expectancy is drastically increased,” Archdeacon said. “We are also getting important research done – that contributes not only to what we do here at the zoo, but also for elephants and other animals worldwide.”

Opening hours for the Fresno Chaffee Zoo can be found by clicking here.