See The Bighorn Lamb Just Born at Palm Desert Zoo: Photos

PALM DESERT, CA - The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens announced Monday the birth of a Desert Bighorn lamb, an endangered species whose population has dwindled significantly over the last two centuries.

The female lamb was born Thursday, weighing in at 3.9 kilograms. The baby and mother are both doing well, according to zoo officials.

“We are thrilled with the birth of this Bighorn lamb, as they are native to our area and play an important, iconic role in our desert habitat,” said Allen Monroe, the zoo’s president and CEO.

“The Living Desert participates with other zoos from around the country in the Bighorn Sheep Species Survival Plan and we are proud of our participation in the efforts to preserve this endangered species,” he said.

Zoo officials say that North American populations of Bighorn sheep have diminished from nearly 2 million at the beginning of the 19th century to just 70,000 today.

The Living Desert’s SSP program oversees population management of various species in danger of extinction.

Maureen McCarty, the zoo’s special projects coordinator and Bighorn sheep SSP coordinator, expressed joy over the lamb’s birth and what it means for continued conservation efforts.

“As the national SSP coordinator for the Bighorn sheep, I am so excited to welcome this lamb. She will help provide genetic diversity to our managed populations,” McCarty said.

The lamb is currently on exhibit with the Bighorn herd.

– City News Service. Images courtesy of The Living Desert,