ZIGZAG ZOOBORNS!

Newborn animals in zoos and aquariums across the world are welcomed in this photographic exhibit meant to draw attention to the important conservation role these organizations maintain for many endangered species.

A brief greeting introduces each new arrival featured across the gutter in a bold, close-up color photograph; it’s followed by a quick review that asks children to specifically note the coloring, pattern, and texture of the animal. “Hello, Orys! Though Orys is tiny compared to his mother, this Indian rhinoceros tyke weighed an impressive 150 pounds a few days after birth. See his thick bumpy gray skin? It helps protect him from sunburn and insect bites.” Some animals will be familiar, such as the giraffe calf or the cheetah cub. All are adorable and intriguing, even the diamondback terrapins, while some are especially eye-catching, such as the golden lion tamarins or the baby langur. Seventeen animals are included, giving children a fair survey of species. An addendum succinctly provides more information for each, including the species, the particular zoo or aquarium each baby is housed in, the animal’s endangered status, and a few key facts.

A striking, beautiful, and clearly focused bundle of cute.