NewsCommunity Newspapers (Miami)August 14, 2026Miami-Dade
Zoo Miami announces first successful birth of a southern hairy-nosed wombat
Zoo Miami has successfully bred a southern hairy-nosed wombat, marking the first time this species has been born at the facility and the only such birth in the United States this year. The female joey was born on January 19 to parents Gordon and Adelaid.
Read the full story at Community Newspapers (Miami)Why It Matters
This birth represents a significant milestone for Zoo Miami's conservation efforts and adds to the limited population of southern hairy-nosed wombats in the United States.
Key Facts
- This is the first successful birth of a southern hairy-nosed wombat in Zoo Miami's history.
- This is the only successful birth of this species in the United States this year.
- The joey is female and was born on January 19.
- The father, Gordon, is 8.5 years old and came from the Los Angeles Zoo.
- The mother, Adelaid, is 9.5 years old and came from the Brookfield Zoo.
- Southern hairy-nosed wombats typically weigh between 45-65 pounds.
- Wombat pouches open toward the rear to prevent dirt from entering while digging.
- Wombats are the only mammals known to produce cube-shaped waste.
Who's Mentioned
locationBrookfield Zoo“Origin of the mother wombat.”organizationZoo Miami“The facility where the birth occurred.”personAdelaid“The 9.5-year-old mother wombat from the Brookfield Zoo.”locationLos Angeles Zoo“Origin of the father wombat.”personGordon“The 8.5-year-old father wombat from the Los Angeles Zoo.”