Springtime to play

A slew of baby birds and mammals have arrived in time for spring at Wildlife World Zoo.

Most of the species come from Africa and include such diverse animals as the smallest variety of stork, called an abdim stork, as well as two critically endangered hoofed species, the addax and the Arabian oryx.

A large herd of Thomson's gazelles has produced offspring as well. Also, the recently announced arrival of Patas monkeys from Africa, via a feral group in Puerto Rico, has brought Wildlife World Zoo a second primate baby in less than a month. These are the first Patas monkeys born at the zoo.

From Asia, a baby Axis deer, the one species of deer that retains its bright white spots year round, has arrived. Also, from Asia and Europe is a young mute swan. The young cygnet may be the "ugly duckling" right now, but soon it will mature into one of the largest and most graceful waterfowl found anywhere.

From North America, several baby prairie dogs are beginning to venture out of their underground tunnels. Prairie dogs were once so numerous, their "towns" could be found throughout the central and western United States.

Finally, from South America a young, red-legged seriema has arrived at the zoo. As an adult, this waist-high bird navigates thick grasses and brush in search of food using its thin legs. Almost as unusual as its appearance, this bird's distinctive call can be heard from one end of the zoo grounds to the other.

The Wildlife World Zoo is at 16501 W. Northern Ave., Litchfield Park. It is open 365 days a year, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Daytime admission is $16.99 for adults and $8.99 for children ages 3-12, children age 2 and under are free.

For information, contact Mickey Ollson, zoo director, or Grey Stafford, Ph.D., at 623-935-WILD (9453) or visit www.Wildlifeworld.com.