Omss Animal: UPDATED: Meet our New Baby Kudu, Born Two Weeks Ago Today!

Dear omss,

Here's what's new at the Houston Zoo.

Welcoming Our New Baby Kudu

Exactly two weeks ago, there was something special happening in the in The African Forest. A female kudu calf was born to one of the kudus sharing the rhino habitat.

She weighed approximately 15.9 kilos (or about 35 pounds) at birth, and is bright eyed and quite curious. Her mother, Clementine, has proven to be very good with her baby. The calf is doing well and being slowly introduced to the rest of her herd. She has yet to be named.

CLICK HERE to see a photo gallery of the new arrival. In just a few weeks, you should be able to come and visit her. Until then, just look into these big, brown eyes!

Point, Click, Zoo!

Saturday, September 10

9:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Learn the basics of wildlife photography and take a mini-safari through the Zoo in this beginner level

photography class. Get pointers and practice capturing some of our most photogenic animals.

Photo Day, which will be held the following Saturday, September 17.

Get Out and Play!

Saturday, September 17

10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Are you up for the challenge?

This event is designed to heighten the awareness of nature deficit disorder. Our goal is to inspire children and adults to Get Out and Play more often and explore the world around them!

There will be exciting and challenging games and activities for children and adults zoo-wide! The Houston Texans, KICKSTART KIDS and other community groups and organizations will be here, showing guests how and where they can be active

and enjoy nature in the city year-round.

Click HERE for more information. All activities included with regular Zoo admission, and is FREE for Zoo Members.

Photo Day!

Saturday, September 17
7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

Amateur photographers and photo buffs alike can beat the heat at Photo Day by coming in two hours before the Zoo opens to the public. Enjoy a continental breakfast and photo ops with some of our most loved animals such as meerkats, sea lions and Children's Zoo animals.

This is a special BACK TO SCHOOL Photo Day - with each adult ticket purchased, kids tickets are half off! So grab that budding photographer in your family and head to the Zoo early for a fun-filled morning of animal adventures.

Visit our website

for tickets and details!

Asian Ellie Elephant Open House

Saturday, September 24
8:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Wonder what a 10,000 pound animal eats every day? What does it take to give an elephant a pedicure? Join us to learn about elephant diets, care, training and more at Elephant Open House!

For one morning only, the state-of-the-art elephant barn will be open for you to explore. Each stall will highlight a different aspect of elephant care. You'll meet the keepers who care for our herd, and learn insights about these majestic animals. Continental breakfast included. All proceeds go to elephant conservation!

Click HERE to get more information and purchase tickets. Capacity is at 100

tickets, so buy yours today!

Call of the Wild Speaker Series is Back!
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

October 4 -- LIONS
The people of Mozambique are co-existing with lions thanks to the work of Dr. Colleen Begg, founder of the Niassa Lion Project. Enjoy her thrilling stories and amazing adventures in Africa.

November 11 - Wolves and Wine
Meet and mingle with Dr. Douglas Smith, project leader of the Yellowstone Wolf Project. Converse with him about the successful reintroduction of this top predator into the fragile ecosystem of Yellowstone National Park.

November 12 - Wolves
This special 4:00 p.m. event is perfect for kids and adults alike. Dr. Douglas Smith, project leader of the Yellowstone Wolf Project will share many amazing stories of bringing the wolf back to Yellowstone National Park.

December 9 -- Galapagos Tortoise
Charles Darwin would have loved Dr. Stephen Blake and Dr. Joe Flanagan for all

of the work they do for Galapagos tortoises! Join us for their presentation on

the Giant Tortoises of the Galapagos Islands.

Purchase your tickets for these exciting events HERE.

Did you hear the news? We've got a few goat Van Goghs in the contact yard at our McGovern's Children's Zoo. Click on the video or HERE to watch. What's the secret to keeping the goats from eating the paintbrush? Only their keepers know!