SEATTLE — There’s a new “kid” on the block at Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo – a baby mountain goat – the first to be born there in 23 years.
PHOTOS: New kid on the block at Woodland Park Zoo
Bluebelle, age 2, and proud father Albert welcomed the female kid on Saturday.
An exam by the zoo’s animal health staff showed she appears to be in good condition. She weighed in at 10 pounds and has been successfully nursing.
“So far we’re seeing attentive maternal care by first-time mom Bluebelle. Nursing sessions are regular, and mom and her newborn are bonding,” said Deanna DeBo, an animal care manager at Woodland Park Zoo.
The kid, which has not been named, is not yet available for viewing by zoo visitors. But Bluebelle and her baby will have access to the public outdoor exhibit starting this week when the Northern Trail boardwalk in front of the goat exhibit reopens. It has been closed for seven months for upgrades.
According to the zoo, Rocky Mountain goats can endure harsh conditions, navigate steep slopes and live high above most of their predators at elevations of 10,000 feet and up. They naturally range from southern Alaska, Canada, Washington, Idaho and Montana but have also been transplanted to other states.
Cox Media Group
