Cheyenne Mountain Zoo welcomes two babies, a ring-tailed lemur, and a Red River hog

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo welcomes two new babies just in time for Mother's Day.

On Thursday, CMZ proudly announced the birth of a Red River hog and a ring-tailed lemur.

According to the zoo, Rogue, an 8-year-old ring-tailed lemur, gave birth on Monday, April 26. At 4-days-old, the baby is covered in the same markings as adult lemurs, complete with mini tufted ears and a long black-and-white striped tail.

Keepers say the baby cuddles upside-down sometimes, with a firm grip on mom's chest and stomach, as she moves around. While lemur fathers don't typically play a key role in raising their young, CMZ says 3-year-old Hercules has approached Rogue and the baby, who lets him sniff the baby while she keeps it safe in her arms.

The zoo says this is the first lemur born at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in 15 years, and the first baby of any kind born at Water's Edge: Africa.

“We knew Rogue was expecting, and we are excited to welcome our first Water’s Edge baby to the world,” said Philip Waugh, lead Water’s Edge: Africa keeper. “When we came to work Monday morning, we could see Rogue carrying this tiny little baby around so delicately and being really attentive. It’s been exciting watching the baby, but it’s been even more special watching Rogue embrace this role so naturally. It’s amazing how she just knows what to do.”

Zena, a seven-year-old Red River hog, welcomed her little piglet on Saturday, April 24.

Unlike other species, Red River hog fathers are active in raising their young. For now, though, keepers are giving Zena and the baby time to bond alone and will introduce the father, 13-year-old Huey, later.

“This is the cutest baby you’ve ever seen in your life,” said Brooke Powell, African Rift Valley keeper, and Zena’s primary trainer. “It’s about the size of Zena’s snout, and it’s a beautiful orange-red color with white stripes and spots on its body. It’s so small, but it can move! It’s been super active, running and bouncing around. We love it."

The zoo says they're both first-time moms and their babies are doing well.

Guests won't see the young Red River hog for at least a few weeks, while Zena and the baby bond together and stay nice and warm indoors. Right now, guests may catch glimpses of the baby on Lemur Island, located in the center of the indoor hippo pool.