Page 32 - Brookfield Zoo Chicago Annual_Report_2024

Meerkat Litters California Two-Spot Octopus

Three meerkat litters filled Desert’s A new eight-limbed addition, MEERKATS
Edge in 2024 in support of the a California two-spot octopus,
AZA Meerkat Species Survival Plan joined The Living Coast in November.
(SSP). The first litter of pups born Also known as a “bimac,” the octopus
in February were the Zoo’s first has two striking bright blue spots
successful meerkat litter since 2010. on each side of its body that appear
like eyes. The California two-spot
Meerkats are found in the western
octopus can grow up to three feet
regions of southern Africa, including
long and live up to two years
Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa.
in professional care.
At birth, meerkat pups are sparsely
furred and blind, opening their eyes Four hatchlings so small they arrived
at about 2 weeks old. They are in test tubes are also growing behind
usually weaned by 9 weeks old, the scenes.
although they may begin eating
Rodrigues Fruit Bat Pups
solid food before then. When fully
grown, meerkats are between Two Rodrigues fruit bats were born
10 to 14 inches in length with in 2024—one in March and one
a 7- to 10-inch tail. Individuals in December. As female Rodrigues
in the group take turns watching fruit bats reproduce slowly, with
for predators while the other one pup a year, we are excited to
members search for food. welcome the two pups to Australia
While on watch, a meerkat will sit House, supporting a healthy and
up straight on an elevated area genetically diverse zoo population
and scan their surroundings. of the species. A female bat banded
red and green for identification
Yellow-Backed Duiker Calf
purposes gave birth to both pups! YELLOW-BACKED
A female yellow-backed duiker calf They also have a brother born DUIKER
was born on June 19, 2024, in 2022.
to parents Pixie Stix and Notch,
Rodrigues fruit bats, also called
weighing 12 pounds at birth.
flying foxes, are native to the island
The word “duiker” means “diver” CALIFORNIA
of Rodrigues in the Indian Ocean
in Afrikaans. These antelopes TWO-SPOT
and are listed as endangered by OCTOPUS
are known for their quick, darting
the IUCN Red List. The species was
movements, seeking cover from
nearly extinct in the 1970s due to
predators in the thick underbrush
deforestation and a severe cyclone.
of the African forests. They are
listed as near threatened on the
International Union for Conservation
of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List.
24 BROOKFIELD ZOO CHICAGO