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.