Utica Zoo Welcomes New White-Naped Crane and Patagonian Cavy Males
The new year keeps on giving new arrivals to the Utica Zoo, who just recently welcomed two male additions to existing animal collections. 32-year-old White-naped Crane, Hong Kong, and 7-year-old Patagonian cavy, Miles, now call the Utica Zoo their new home!
Hong Kong, or his nickname already among keeper staff, ‘Kong’, joins Peaches the White-naped Crane to protect this vulnerable and very social species. These dedicated birds are monogamous by nature, generally mating for life, though they are typically open to forming new bonds after the passing of one of the pair.
Kong joins the Utica Zoo after 44-year-old White-naped crane, Creampuff, passed away last year due to his advanced age. Kong now steps in, never to replace the immeasurable impact Creampuff made there, but to help ensure a stable future for Peaches.
After Kong’s initial quarantine period, the two are expected to be on exhibit together within the coming weeks. Quarantine is necessary to prevent the potential spread of disease, help the animal acclimate and undergo health checkups, as well as learn new routines before joining the main exhibit. A ‘howdy door’, is typically then introduced. For those unfamiliar with the term, a ‘howdy door’ can be described as a transparent, secure barrier that facilitates a controlled environment in which the two animals can safely see, smell, and hear one another without the ability to make physical contact. This process allows
them to gradually get to know each other, all while keeper staff monitor their behaviors.
If one were to visit the zoo’s Asian Realm, they would easily hear the distinct calling between the two White-naped cranes, who are already showing their compatibility!
As for Miles, he joins the Utica Zoo’s animal collection as a breeding recommendation with an effort to conserve this near-threatened species, who are also known to form monogamous, bonded pairs. The Patagonian cavy female, Plata, has already warmly welcomed him to their home in the Utica Zoo’s Backyards and Barnyards.
One can see these two new males on exhibit within the coming weeks, as the Utica Zoo is open daily from 10:00am to 4:30pm.
The Utica Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is the Best of Mohawk Valley Community Choice Award Winner for 2025. It is a regional destination that inspires and promotes the appreciation of wildlife through education, conservation, and recreation. Situated in the heart of Central New York, the zoo features a diverse collection of animals from around the world and offers various educational programs and events for visitors of all ages. It is home to approximately 200 exotic and domestic animals, welcoming nearly 100,000 visitors annually and is open daily from 10 am to 4:30 pm
363 days a year, with only the exception of Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. For more information on this, and all things Utica Zoo, visit UticaZoo.org or follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn!
