Spring is in the air with a stampede of little ones joining the Zoos SA family.

At Monarto Safari Park, a second Przewalski’s Horse foal, emu and a third Plains Zebra foal were born over the past week.

The new little hooves join two giraffe calves, five Addax calves, five Eland calves, two Cheetah cubs, four Greater Bilby joeys, one Spotted-Hyena and three African Lion cubs all entering the world this year.

Director of Monarto Safari Park, Peter Clark, said the baby boom was exciting as the park continues to expand.

“Spring is definitely here! Even the native animals around the park, like our resident Emus, have had little ones running around,” he said.

“Over 70 per cent of the species that call our park home are threatened in the wild, so it is incredibly special to see their numbers thriving particularly as begin to move more animals into Etosha, part of our new Wild Africa precinct.

“We now have Plains Zebra, Scimitar-horned Oryx, Waterbuck, Eland and Ostrich out there – seeing them roam the plains together as they would in the wild is a reminder of how vital our conservation work is for all species that we care for.”

However, it isn’t just Monarto that has welcomed new additions to the fold.

At Adelaide Zoo, keepers have been busy looking after a new Hamadryas Baboon infant, a second Brush-tailed Bettong joey and three Little Penguin chicks.

The baboon infant was born to first-time mum, Quasi, in July. As this is a big adjustment for the troop, keepers have been maintaining careful watch, with added greenery around the windows helping to give them privacy.

Head-female, Chappi, has taken on mothering duties and has done a wonderful job in caring for the little one, with Quasi a constant companion and observer.

The bettong joey is the second male born to Truffles and Rambo, who has become well-known around South Australia as an ambassador for native animals, rewilding, and the conservation of his species.

Acting Curator Deb Barry said it is very exciting to have new furry faces around the zoo.

“Having little paws join our zoo family is very special for everyone involved,” she said.

“Not only are they incredibly cute, but they are also a testament to our conservation breeding programs and help educate our visitors about their wild cousins to ensure their species is here for years to come.”

The school holidays are a great time to take offspring to Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park. Naturally wild spring school holidays will have little visitors finding animal stamps as they move around the site. Catch daily animal feeds, listen in to keeper talks and learn all about the conservation work your visit supports.

For more information about Zoos SA and our conservation programs, please visit zoossa.com.au.