Several zoos around the world have recently celebrated the birth of baby animals, including a polar bear, a "liger," a hippopotamus, a rhinoceros and a koala. As well as being cute visitor attractions, animals born in captivity can play an important role in ensuring the survival of their species. Here's a look at some of this year's new arrivals, many of whom are already stars of the internet.
France
A polar bear cub at Mulhouse Zoo
Although polar bears can have trouble breeding in captivity, two cubs were born in Europe in November. Fritz, born at Berlin's Tierpark zoo, sadly died earlier this year. At Mulhouse Zoo in the Alsace region of France, a polar bear called Sesi gave birth to a cub called Nanuq on November 7. Since February 1, visitors have been able to observe the interactions between mother and cub thanks to a screen installed in front of the enclosure. The cub was named Nanuq ('Nanoonk,' which means "polar bear" in Inuit) by web users who were asked to vote for a choice of four names.
A rhinoceros and a koala at Zoo de Beauval
This famous French zoo, which is home to two Chinese giant pandas, celebrated the arrival of a baby white rhinoceros on November 18. Beauval handlers are already busy taking care of two white rhinoceroses and one Indian rhinoceros, all born in the space of a year, but the new arrival, named Gaya, is the first female calf. In marsupial news, the zoo's baby koala, called Tinaroo, has been melting visitors' hearts since being born in May.
Australia
A fennec fox cub at Taronga Zoo, Sydney
Sydney's Taronga Zoo has been celebrating the birth of a fennec fox cub, December 3. The baby fox has now emerged from its nesting box and is busy exploring the enclosure. Visitors to the zoo can also visit the lion cubs, born at the end of November, who recently made their public debut.
USA
Fiona the baby hippopotamus at Cincinnati Zoo
Cincinnati Zoo is currently caring for a baby hippopotamus born prematurely at the end of January, and the hippo, named Fiona, is already a rising star of the internet. The team has been keeping fans updated online with daily reports on the hippo's health. The calf is being cared for by humans to help her feed using milk from the mother. Handlers are also helping Fiona develop her coordination in water.
Russia
Tsar the "liger" cub at Rostov-on-Don Zoo
A "liger" cub was born to a female tiger and a male lion on November 11. The cub, named Tsar, has his mom's stripes and his father's fur. The two other newborn cubs didn't survive. This kind of birth is extremely rare. There are currently only around 20 "ligers" in the world.
Israel
Rami the white rhino at Ramat Gan Safari Park
In the suburbs of Tel-Aviv, the Ramat Gan Safari Park recently announced the birth of Rami, a baby white rhino (an endangered species). The mother and her handlers patiently awaited the arrival during the rhino's one-and-a-half-year gestation.
Note that not all of these baby animals will be visible to the public in the zoos where they live. They may still be too young to cope with being admired by scores of curious visitors. Check before you visit to avoid disappointment.
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