Brookfield Zoo Welcomes Newborn Pangolin, Advancing Conservation Efforts

Pangolins are unique, scale‑covered mammals native to Asia and Africa, yet they rank among the world’s most heavily poached species. To reverse this decline, Brookfield Zoo in Chicago has launched a captive‑breeding program aimed at bolstering population numbers and supporting global conservation initiatives.

According to an X post from the zoo, a baby pangolin—affectionately called a “pangopup”—was born on June 8 to mother Virginia. The tiny female is already gaining weight and growing daily. The zoo notes that newborn pangolins are born with soft, pale scales that harden within a few days.

Followers reacted with admiration, some likening the newborn’s appearance to a miniature dinosaur—a reminder of how extraordinary these creatures are and why they deserve our protection.

Fun facts about pangolins

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Unlike any other mammal, pangolins are completely covered in keratin scales—the same protein that forms human nails. They lack teeth but possess a long, sticky tongue capable of consuming up to 70 million insects—primarily ants and termites—each year. To aid digestion, they deliberately ingest small stones and sand.

When threatened, pangolins curl into a tight ball, presenting their armored scales as a formidable defense. Unfortunately, this strategy does not deter illegal hunters who target them for meat and unproven medicinal uses. Conservation partners such as Brookfield Zoo and countries like Taiwan, which hosts the highest pangolin density worldwide, are actively implementing recovery programs to safeguard this remarkable species. Explore more nearly extinct wildlife making a comeback through conservation.