For the first time in San Diego Zoo Global’s history, an echidna (ih-KID-na) baby—or puggle, as they are called—has hatched at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

In breeding programs aimed at conserving animals from small or isolated populations, scientists must balance the competing needs of adding genetic diversity and avoiding the introduction of harmful genes. 

On Mother’s Day (May 10, 2020), a 1-month-old giraffe calf at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park received her name after more than 18,000 fans cast their ballots in a week-long online voting campaign.