Spring Brings Animal Travels

Adeline and Nani, two female red kangaroos, will soon leave Zoo Atlanta for a new home at a new zoo. Adeline, 5, and Nani, 8, are scheduled to leave Atlanta as early as April 24, 2018, for an opportunity to join a new group of red kangaroos, known as a mob.

“Adeline and Nani are special members of Zoo Atlanta, not just to the Animal Care Team but to the many Zoo Members and guests who have enjoyed visiting and learning about their species,” said Jennifer Mickelberg, PhD, Vice President of Collections and Conservation. “Their upcoming move is a wonderful opportunity for them to join a new and dynamic group of individuals.”

Along with the moves of the kangaroos, three new animal neighbors, Huacaya alpacas, will occupy the Orkin Children’s Zoo’s central habitat. Tuscany, 2, Warrior, 1, and Smurf, 1, all male, will be arriving from Apple Mountain Alpacas in Clarkesville, Georgia, in late April or early May.

The alpacas’ future habitat is adjacent to the Zoo’s petting zoo, which is home to Babydoll Southdown sheep, Kunekune pigs, Nigerian dwarf goats, Nubian goats, Oberhasli goats and Saanen goats. Although they will not be part of the petting zoo, the alpacas will create an exciting opportunity for Zoo Members and guests to make connections with a new species.

The Huacaya alpaca is one of two breeds of alpacas, South American domesticated members of the camel family that are related to llamas.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Rachel Davis
Director of Communications
404.624.2812 – office
404.309.2238 – cell
rdavis@zooatlanta.org

Gavin Johnson
Public Relations & Communications Specialist
404.624.5980 – office
gjohnson@zooatlanta.org

About Zoo Atlanta
Viewed as one of the finest zoological institutions in the U.S. and a proud accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Zoo Atlanta has a mission to inspire value and preservation of wildlife through a unique mix of education and outdoor family experiences. From well-known native wildlife to critically endangered species on the brink of extinction, the Zoo offers memorable close encounters with more than 1,000 animals from around the world. Zoo highlights include giant pandas, including Ya Lun and Xi Lun, a set of twins born to Lun Lun on September 3, 2016; one of North America’s largest zoological populations of great apes; and a global center of excellence for the care and study of reptiles and amphibians. Scaly Slimy Spectacular: The Amphibian and Reptile Experience, featuring more than 70 species in a 111,000 square-foot complex, is the world’s first LEED Gold-certified reptile and amphibian exhibit. The Zoo’s newest experience, Treetop Trail presented by Kaiser Permanente, opened in March 2017. Up-close-and-personal animal experiences include behind-the-scenes Wild Encounters with African elephants, African lions, Aldabra giant tortoises, giant pandas and lemurs. Zoo Atlanta is open year-round with the exceptions of Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Keeper talks, interactive wildlife presentations, education programs and special events run year-round. For more information, visit zooatlanta.org.