Summer Sights at the JMZ

July 15, 2025

Hello Friends,

The weather continues to warm, and many of the critters in the zoo are happy to soak up some sun. While last month’s newsletter shared exciting updates from the exhibit hall and other spaces outside the JMZ, this month we’re turning our attention to the zoo.

The JMZ’s zoo was realized thanks to the generous donors to the JMZ Initiative Capital Campaign. This innovative space, “Loose in the Zoo,” is a thriving ecosystem full of colorful birds, furry mammals, and flowering plants, which continue to delight visitors of all ages. I hope you have the opportunity to visit the JMZ soon and enjoy all that this space has to offer.

With gratitude,

Lauren Angelo

President, Friends of the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo

Who's New in the Zoo?

New Flamingo Chick

The JMZ’s newest resident hatched on June 22. Born to parents Ruby and Sal, this amazing flamingo chick is being watched attentively by the flock. It might come as a surprise, but flamingos are born grayish white. It will take about two to three years—and a steady diet of carotenoid-rich foods—for the chick to develop its iconic pink hue. Lately, the adult flamingos have been less active during public feedings, but their interest in food is picking up again as the little one grows. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the chick being fed.

All photos courtesy of Lee Harper.

Welcome, Kala, the Female Meerkat

Kala, short for “Kalahari,” is the JMZ’s newest meerkat. Kala recently joined Scout and Dash, the zoo’s two male meerkats, and together they’ve added even more energy to an already lively habitat. You can spot all three sprinting around and doing much less sun-bathing than they did before! Zookeepers were intentional about the introduction between Kala and the two boys. Meerkats can be territorial when a new member enters their habitat, but luckily all three meerkats were quick to adjust. When looking for Kala, pay special attention to her warm brown fur color and pointy tail.

Zazu in the Zoo

After being out of view for a few months, Zazu the hornbill is back in the zoo. Zazu is one of the JMZ’s most mischievous characters. With a bright orange-and-yellow beak, he is hard to miss as he explores the zoo. You can often spot Zazu investigating Edward’s habitat and saying “hi” to the macaws. Hornbills are ground foragers, so don’t be surprised if he’s pecking around the grass instead of perched in a tree.