EARLY CLOSURE

The zoo will close early on Thursday, May 28, 2026, for a private event.

A close-up of a river otter facing left with its head raised, showing its wet fur and whiskers. The background is blurred green grass.

Animal Babies

OH, BABY! NEW FACES AT THE ZOO

Here are some of our most recent births and updates on how the little ones are doing

Gorilla

Two adult gorillas sit side by side on large fallen tree trunks, surrounded by greenery and sunlight. One gorilla sits upright with a hand to its chest, while the other leans forward, resting a hand on the log.

We are proud to announce that both Olympia and Jamani two of our Western lowland gorillas are expecting babies this May—just five days apart! This will be the second offspring for both these experienced mothers, and the first for expectant father Nadaya.

Get all the exciting details on the upcoming additions to this western lowland gorilla family in our latest blog here:

Two pregnant gorillas due to give birth five days apart this spring! Babies will be the second for each expectant mom

LIONS

Meet Kamari and Zawadi!

Two lion cubs with light brown fur sit and walk on green grass, with one cub stepping forward on a log while the other sits beside it. Both appear alert, surrounded by natural vegetation.

Kamari and Zawadi are now wrestling, climbing and napping all over the African savanna with mom, Ilanga, and dad, Tandie. Please be patient as their viewing schedule is intermittent and is dictated by mom!

The female cubs were born Wednesday, January 14, 2026 to first-time parents, mom Ilanga and dad Tandie. This is the first birth of lions at the zoo since 2014!

Catch up on all the latest “cub-dates”

Birth announcement video
A purr-fect new addition! Woodland Park Zoo celebrates the birth of African lions
2-week pictures
2-week weigh in video
Valentine’s Day update video
Lion cubs get names!
Lion cub glow up!
Kamari and Zawadi make their public debut

Sloth Bear

Hello, Darling Bowie!

A sloth bear sits on the grass near a tree trunk, with a cub clinging to its back. The bears have long black fur and pale snouts, and the scene is set in a natural, outdoor environment.

We are so excited that little Bowie has celebrated her first birthday! She continues to enjoy the outdoor sloth bear habitat with her mom, Kushali.

She is exploring everything and learning critical bear skills from mom. Currently Bowie’s outdoor time is weather-dependent. When it’s warm enough she and Kushali can choose whether or not to go out, so there is no set schedule to her outdoor play time yet.

Stay tuned for updates:

Happy birthday, Bowie!
Bear cub Bowie ventures outdoors for the first time! Sloth bear makes public debut this weekend
Bowie the sloth bear cub, and mama Kushali, have been introduced to the outdoor habitat
Sweet footage of Bowie the sloth bear cub and her mom Kushali in the maternity den.
Our precious sloth bear cub has reached a new milestone—baby Bowie took her first steps!
Kushali gave birth to a precious sloth bear cub on January 8, 2025
Hello darling Bowie! Newborn sloth bear cub named in honor of birthday twin (the late) David Bowie

WAYS TO HELP

Celebrate these little ones with conservation action

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MEMBERSHIP

Become a zoo member, every visit supports conservation in the Northwest and around the world

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ADOPT

Become a ZooParent and symbolically adopt a baby gorilla or river otter of your own!

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ECO-CELL

Recycle your cell phones for wild gorillas!