SANFORD, Fla. – Parents, if you’re looking for something to do with your family during spring break, the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens in Sanford has extended its hours and has some new baby animals to show off.
Bisque, the Blue Duiker is one of them. He was captured on video, running around his den just days after he was born.
“They are the second smallest antelope species in the world and they’re found in Central Africa in dense jungle and forests.”
Bisque was bred at the zoo as part of the Species Survival Plan partnering with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. He is being monitored by experienced veterinarians and zookeepers, like Director of Animal Operations Christopher Torge.
“In the U.S., there’s only about 40 of them in accredited zoos so we’re really excited to take on this species and be a part of the breeding program,” Torge said. “The blue duiker are going to be on the ground. They like to hide in the bushes and tall grasses, so just have patience, look around for movement in the grasses when you approach their habitat at the zoo.”
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You’ll also notice some new reptiles. A skink was born just a few weeks ago.
And a Henkel’s leaf-tailed gecko is a new hatchling.
“They’re called leaf-tailed gecko for a reason and you can see that broad, flat tail that resembles a leaf. Even down to the toes, it almost looks like moss,” Torge said. “What’s special about the Henkle’s leaf-tailed geckos is their incredible camouflage and mimicry, so when they lie down against a branch or in some leaves, they blend in perfectly.”
Hanging around are some new additions to the zoo: The squirrel monkeys. They’re housed with the spider monkeys.
“Our oldest resident here Big Guy, is almost 44 years old. Next to him are some of our juvenile spider monkeys and they’re a lot smaller,” Torge said.
They’re commonly found in the dense forests of Central and South America and while they may look small and cute, Torge said they’re not meant to be pets. The issue is becoming more prominent in the U.S.
“Unfortunately, several of these animals were confiscated by wildlife traffickers bringing them illegally into the U.S. and for that to happen, they have to go out into the wild, kill a troupe of monkeys to get the helpless infants away from mom and then they try to traffic them across the border,” Torge said.
You can check out the new additions to the zoo this spring.
“We have Keeper Chats. You get to see all the animals, ride the train, hang out at the splash pad, the playground, participate in giraffe feedings and goat feedings... there’s so much to do,” Director Stephanie Williams said.
The zoo is also hosting Hippity Hop Adventure ahead of Easter with activities, a DJ, bounce houses and more for families.
“Bring your Easter basket so you can collect all the treats along the treat path. Dress your best because we’ve got the Easter Bunny out here so you can get that family photo,” Williams said.
Click HERE to purchase tickets for the Hippity Hop Adventure that takes place March 30 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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