You are never too old to hang out with mum! Here at Colchester Zoological Society, we are home to some very special mums who have all been great ambassadors for their species out in the wild by helping to increase their population.
-here are just a few that have been extra special recently!
Esra & Akovi & Anya
Amur Leopard – (Critically Endangered)
After giving birth the morning of the 24th November 2024 to two healthy Amur leopard cubs, Anya and Akovi, it has meant Esra has had to take up her duties as a mother once again. Over these past few months, we have seen Esra’s relationship with both Anya and Akovi blossom and it is clear that Esra makes an amazing mum!
Roo & OQ
Aardvark – (Least Concern)
Our Aardvark, OQ, has proven herself to be an excellent and caring mum, with her little one arriving on the 23rd November 2024, Roo became OQs’ 12th offspring! Our aardvark family group, along with little Roo, can now be seen back together in their main burrow!
Cheekaboo & Chicory
Colombian Black Spider Monkey – (Vulnerable)
On the 16th April 2024, Colombian black spider monkey, Cheekaboo, welcomed the arrival of Chicory, her 7th offspring! With the added support of her other daughters, Chilli and Cherry, and of course, Dad, Julius, mum has been doing an amazing job of caring for Chicory – Cheekaboo has been playing a lot of peekaboo with her little one!
Pepper & Salsa & Taco
Humboldt Penguin – (Vulnerable)
After welcoming her first chicks, back in 2023, Humboldt penguin, Pepper, has been swimming through motherhood with her two new arrivals! On the 2nd April 2024, Chile and Pepper hatched two chicks, Salsa and Taco! Both penguin fledglings have grown stronger every day and are doing really well within the group!
Lenny & Morticia
Rüppell’s Griffon Vulture – (Critically Endangered)
Experienced mum, Rüppell’s Griffon Vulture, Morticia, successfully hatched a chick on 2nd March 2024. Morticia’s’ chick was named Lenny, and he has just celebrated his 1st birthday. Lenny and Morticia’s relationship is set to soar and Lenny has no plans of leaving the nest soon!
Astrid & Dara
Southern White Rhinoceros – (Near Threatened)
Early in the morning on the 13th January 2023, Southern White Rhino, Astrid, welcomed her little one, Dara, named by our dedicated Animal Care Team. Female calf Dara was born strong and healthy, at first, she didn’t suckle to mum, however after 3 days of feeding the calf via a bottle, Dara finally started to drink from mum Astrid. Their bond has grown wonderfully, and the little one still enjoys zooming around her enclosure!
Ruth & Toby
Southern Tamandua – (Least Concern)
On the 27th December 2022, Southern Tamanduas, Ruth and Oreo, welcomed their third offspring, Toby. Tamanduas like Toby, are born well developed and will cling to their mother’s back during the early days and weeks, however, when mum, wants to feed alone, she would leave the little one in a nest of leaves. This is not so much the case now as Toby has recently celebrated his second birthday and has gained a lot of independence!
Mali & Tatau
Bornean orangutans (Critically Endangered)
In February 2021, we welcomed mother, Mali, and daughter, Tatau, both of whom joined us from Paignton Zoo in Devon. After being introduced to our male orangutan, Tiga, the pair began to settle into their new home and get to know the Animal Care Team. Four years later, the mother and daughter pair, are thriving in their habitat!
Mother’s Day Gift Guide
Whether you’re celebrating your mum, grandmother, mother-in-law, step mum, mother to be or special lady in your life, we have a range of truly unique gifts that will show them just how much you care!
