From a wobbly elephant calf in DC to fluffy penguins in Baltimore, animal lovers are celebrating a wave of adorable new zoo animals. Whether you’re planning a family outing or looking for a serotonin boost, here are some of the cutest new zoo animals near Northern Virginia.
Terrapin Turtle
If you’ve ever swooned over teeny tiny turtles, you’ll want to meet the newest terrapin hatchling at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. Hatched in late August, this is the first time this critically endangered species has successfully been bred at the National Zoo. The small reptile is expected to make its debut in August 2027.
Cheetah cubs
The Smithsonian’s Conservation Biology Institute at Front Royal welcomed a litter of four cheetah cubs this past October. These spotted speedsters may be small now, but they’ll soon be bounding with the energy and grace cheetahs are known for. Although they are in seclusion from both the public and staff, viewers can watch the cubs grow on the Cheetah Cub Cam.
Red Panda
Adorable fluffy and endlessly photogenic, the baby red panda was born at the Smithsonian’s Conservation Biology Institute in June. Red pandas are beloved for their cinnamon-red coats and playful personalities. This youngster is already charming zoo staff with its curious nature. This little one will not be making a public debut.
Lesser Tenrecs
Head to Smithsonian’s National Zoo to meet the roly-poly, prickly baby lesser tenrecs. Native to Madagascar, these small mammals sport spines like tiny hedgehogs and scurry about with surprising speed. The litter of five was born in July and are the first of their kind born at the National Zoo since 2017. Try to spot the nocturnal babies when they are most active — before 10 a.m. or after 1:30 p.m. — at the Small Mammal House.
Asian Elephant
Elephant lovers have a bright new star at the National Zoo: Linh Mai, the Asian elephant calf. The young elephant received her name on February 12, which means “spirit blossom.” She is the first of her critically endangered species to be born at the zoo in nearly 25 years. She will make her public debut on Earth Day, April 22.
Sloth Bears
Fuzzy, stocky, and lovable, the sloth bear cubs at the National Zoo are crowd-pleasing additions. Born in December, male Osborn (Ozzy) and female Champa have already shown their personalities. These cubs love to climb on their mothers back and spend their days exploring their habitat. Be sure to stop by and see them for the first time this spring.
African Penguins
Take a day trip to the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore where a group of fluffy African penguin chicks recently hatched. These endangered birds — known for their tuxedo-like markings — are being named after fruits and vegetables. Cayenne and Kiwi are the first of the eight to be named. Check the zoo’s website for updates.
Feature image courtesy Roshan Patel/Smithsonian National Zoo
