The Phoenix Zoo is opened in 1962 and is the largest privately-owned zoo in the US. As a non-profit charitable organization, the Phoenix Zoo's ultimate goal is to raise the awareness of people and encourage them to take care of the natural world. Recently, the zoo has proudly announced the birth of 21 baby black-footed ferrets. They are one of the most endangered animal species in North America.
Image Credit: The Phoenix Zoo
“This is already our most successful black-footed ferret breeding season at the Johnson Conservation Center since 2016. Encouragingly, another three females are possibly pregnant, so we may have additional kits soon,” said Dr. Tara Harris, Director of Conservation and Science at the Phoenix Zoo.
Image Credit: The Phoenix Zoo
The Phoenix Zoo is one of six facilities worldwide breeding this species for release to the wild. The black-footed ferret has once been thought to be extinct in the wild. Fortunately, with intense conservation efforts of state, federal, and non-governmental wildlife conservation partners, they have returned to their native habitat through reintroduction. In 30 years of involvement with the program, the Zoo has produced over 500 black-footed ferrets.
Image Credit: The Phoenix Zoo
The newest 21 ferret kits belong to four different litters. The kits and their mothers, Mandolin, Lazuli, Ridley, and Yoshi are all doing extremely well. The caretakers will closely monitor them to ensure they're always in good condition. Can't wait to see those cute fur babies.
H/T:
thekoalabears