Mongoose pups born at Brookfield Zoo

Two litters of dwarf mongoose pups were born since September at Brookfield Zoo.

The litters were born Sept. 12 and Nov. 24 and totaled seven pups. The mother is 3-year-old Tavi. The father is 13-year-old Gimbi. The two were paired based on recommendations from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Dwarf Mongoose Species Survival Plan. The Brookfield Zoo has had dwarf mongooses for nearly 20 years.

Mongoose pups are born with their eyes closed and don't open them until they are about 2 weeks old.

Brookfield Zoo has had Dwarf Mongoose since 1993 and this is one of many litters that have been born, according to a release from the zoo.

'This species is managed under a Species Survival Plan (SSP) through the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, and Brookfield Zoo is one of 12 North American zoos that have this species.”