Kaya is Growing Up!

Kaya, the spectacled langur born at the zoo on October 8, is changing every day—right before our eyes!

When Kaya was born, she weighed just under one pound and had fluffy orange fur and a pink face.  This tiny monkey was rejected by first-time mother Samsara, so zoo keepers stepped in to care for Kaya.  At nearly five months old, she now weighs almost two pounds.  Her fur is gradually turning from orange to gray, and she will soon be completely gray like the adult spectacled langurs.

Keepers are transitioning Kaya to solid foods, but she still enjoys her bottle.  She nibbles on small amounts of cooked veggies, like green beans, carrots, and sweet potatoes, with a side of kale, spinach, or romaine.  "Right now, she loves green beans, but her favorites change just about every day," says Zoo Keeper Kristin Uebler.  Kaya is fed six times a day, so the dedicated crew comes in after hours and in the early morning to make sure Kaya gets enough to eat.  "We give her a water bottle at night, and she really loves it," says Uebler.

Returning Kaya to her parents, Samsara and Lee, is an important goal, but it's too early to say when that might happen, Uebler says.  Both parents show interest in their baby from afar, but until Kaya is weaned from her bottle, she will remain under keepers' care.

Kaya in October, just a few weeks old..

Kaya in December. Notice the gray fur developing around her face.

Kaya in February. The white spectacles typical of the species are developing around her eyes as her fur turns gray.

Visit us at the Home and Garden Show

Meet some amazing zoo animals on the Family & Activity Stage at the Home & Garden Show this weekend.

Get a taste of spring when you stop by the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo's booth at the Home & Garden Show, February 26 thru March 1 at the Memorial Coliseum.

At the booth, you can purchase or renew your Zoo Membership so you'll be ready for the zoo's opening on April 18.  You can also purchase ride tickets, Adopt an Animal, or buy some very cute plush stuffed animals!

Meet some friendly zoo animals during our programs on the Family Fun & Activity Stage.  We're scheduled present free programs at:

Thursday at 5:00 p.m.
Friday at 5:00 p.m.
Saturday at 12:00 noon
Sunday at 2:00 p.m.

Look for the zoo at booth # 522 – 524 in the main hall.  And think spring!

Zoo Opens April 18