For the first time in 20 years, raccoons have been born at the Almaty Zoo. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Sputnik Kazakhstan.
Raccoons named Archie and Bella gave birth to three cubs. This is the first raccoon offspring born at the zoo in nearly twenty years.
The cubs were born on April 27. In the first months, they stayed in the nest with their mother and did not go outside. Bella took special care of her cubs, not letting anyone near them. Now the cubs have grown, started moving independently, go out into the large enclosure, and are exploring their surroundings with interest.
The sex of the cubs has not yet been determined, so names will be given later.
"The weight of newborn raccoons is only 60-70 grams. They are born blind and deaf, and in the first weeks they are completely dependent on their mother. During this period, they feed only on mother's milk. Now the cubs are gradually getting used to the food of adult animals. Their diet includes meat, fish, vegetables, fruits and berries, as well as their favorite oatmeal porridge," said Gauhar Sergibayeva, head of the "Predatory Mammals" department.