On May 21, 2023, two ringtail kits were born at the Phoenix Zoo to first-time parents Slate and Bugsy!
These animals are managed cooperatively as part of a Species Survival Plan, which defined by the AZA is a “…Breeding and Transfer Plan that identifies population goals and recommendations to manage a genetically diverse, demographically varied, and biologically sound population.” The addition of Austin (male) and Sedona (female) is thrilling news for the Zoo, as ringtails can be challenging to breed.
The kits are not yet weaned but they have started to eat solid food. They’re also becoming more mobile and have been seen climbing around their habitat at night… although they still prefer to spend the daytime hours in one of their den boxes. Slate has been a wonderful mother!
Ringtails are a nocturnal member of the raccoon family and can be found across the southwestern United States and Mexico, including the Sonoran Desert. In fact, they are the state mammal of Arizona!
Learn more about ringtails here!
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