New Faces Join the Zoo
December 13, 2024
Animals
By Sarah Culton, Communications Manager
From magnificent monkeys to beautiful bears, the Zoo recently welcomed some notable new residents. Get to know them here — then come to the Zoo to meet them in person!
SLOTH BEAR JAGGER
Jagger’s Story: One of the Zoo’s newest residents is “beary” cute. Jagg er, a 3-year-old sloth bear, moved to the Zoo in October.
The Scoop: Jagg er’s caretakers say she is a silly girl who loves to snack on special treats like peanut butt er or jam.
Where to Find Her: In her new home at the bear den behind the grizzly bear habitat.
A Delicious Diet: In the wild, sloth bears feast on termites and ants. They can fully close their nostrils to keep bugs out
while they are eating.
AFRICAN LION KALU
Kalu’s Story: The pride at the Zoo just got a litt le bigg er. Kalu, a 9-year-old African lion, has moved in and is getting to know females Asha and Amirah.
The Scoop: Described by his caretakers as “fun,” “spunky” and “sassy,” Kalu is making himself right at home in his new habitat. You can visit him — and his new feline friends — in the African Grasslands.
The Mane Attraction: Most male lions grow impressive manes. Growing up to 6 inches long, these luscious locks are a sign of dominance.
SCHMIDT'S MONKEYS NAFIS AND NHALA
Nafis and Nhala’s Story: A pair of Schmidt’s monkeys joined the Zoo family this summer. A species new to the Detroit Zoo, Schmidt’s monkeys are native to central Africa and known for their long tails and white noses.
The Scoop: 9-year-old male Nafis and 12-year-old female Nhala can be found sharing a habitat with the Allen’s swamp monkeys in the African Forest.
A Little Cheeky: Schmidt’s monkeys, also known as red-tailed monkeys, have large cheek pouches that can store almost as much food as their stomachs.
