Belfast Zoo celebrates a Spring baby boom with rare and adorable new arrivals

New arrivals: The Cotton-Top Tamarin at Belfast Zoo

It’s all go at Belfast Zoo this spring as the popular attraction experiences a delightful baby boom – and the pitter-patter of tiny paws, hooves, and claws is more than just cute; it’s crucial for conservation.

From the tiniest cotton-top tamarin to bouncing baby wallabies and chick-hatching emus, the Zoo is bursting with new life and renewed hope for some of the world’s most vulnerable creatures.

A critically endangered Cotton-Top Tamarin joins the family

One of the most exciting arrivals is a cotton-top tamarin – a critically endangered primate with fewer than 2,000 mature individuals left in the wild. Born to long-time residents Vicky and Spencer, this latest little one marks the pair’s ninth offspring.

“This baby boom is something truly special,” said Belfast Zoo Curator, Lara Clarke.

“Many of these species are in real danger of disappearing in the wild. Breeding success like this isn’t just adorable – it’s essential. It reflects the incredible care from our teams and the vital role modern Zoos play in conservation, education and species survival.”

Emu chicks and a Wallaby Joey in the ‘Animals of Australia’ habitat

New arrivals: Emu chicks at Belfast Zoo

Visitors to the ‘Animals of Australia’ habitat will be treated to the sight of five fluffy emu chicks, recently hatched by first-time parents Bruce and Sheila.

Not to be outdone, a baby wallaby joey has begun poking its head out from mum’s pouch – to the delight of zoo-goers young and old.

New arrivals: Wallaby Joey at Belfast Zoo

Both emus and wallabies are new additions to the Zoo and have settled in remarkably well, quickly becoming visitor favourites.

Meerkat mob welcomes second litter

Meanwhile, the recently arrived meerkat mob has been busy too. The Zoo is now home to two new meerkat pups – their second litter this year – as the lively group continues to charm and captivate.

New arrivals: Meerkat pups at Belfast Zoo

A Sloth surprise and Spider Monkey milestone

In the Rainforest House, the Zoo’s resident Linne’s two-toed sloths, Priscita and Enrique, have had their second baby in less than a year – a rarity in the sloth world and a testament to the Zoo’s excellent husbandry.

“It’s been amazing to watch Priscita become a mum again so soon – she’s calm, caring and completely devoted,” said Ruairi Donaghy, Senior Keeper.

“Seeing our young spider monkey thrive is equally rewarding. These births make all the long hours worth it. They remind us why we do what we do – to protect species and inspire people to care about wildlife.”

New arrivals: Baby Sloth at Belfast Zoo

New arrivals: Colombian Spider Monkey at Belfast Zoo

Also thriving is a newborn Colombian Spider Monkey, another endangered species whose future hangs in the balance due to deforestation and illegal hunting.

Conservation with a local touch

Many of the Zoo’s animals are part of European Endangered Species Breeding Programmes (EEPs) – coordinated efforts across zoos to protect and grow healthy, genetically diverse populations of rare species.

Belfast Zoo’s continued success in these programmes reflects not just the skill of its team, but also the dedication of Northern Ireland’s wildlife community.

Visit the new arrivals

Whether you fancy catching a glimpse of a sleepy baby sloth, watching meerkat pups at play, or marvelling at fast-growing emu chicks, there’s never been a better time to visit Belfast Zoo.

These adorable additions aren’t just photogenic – they’re ambassadors for their species and vital reminders of the importance of conservation.

So, grab your camera and your curiosity – the next generation of wildlife wonders awaits.

For more information and to plan your visit, go to belfastzoo.co.uk.