The Jardin Animalier Rainier III has been rather busy this summer! From peacocks to an Azara’s agouti, here’s everything you need to know about Monaco’s youngest – and smallest – residents.

The Jardin Animalier Rainier III, newly renamed on 31st May in honour of “Builder” Prince Rainier III, has seen its numbers swell this summer.

14 NEWBORNS

Between June and August, a total of 14 babies were born at Monaco’s beloved zoological park.

These included a new Azara’s agouti, a shy furry little creature native to South America that is known as the “jungle gardener” due to its habit of burying nuts and seeds then forgetting where they put them.

*The baby Azara’s agouti born earlier this summer. Photo credit: Jardin Animalier Rainier III*

There were also three peacock chicks, born on 20th June, two scarlet Ibises on 22nd June, three Nicobar pigeons on 27th June and a handful of whistling ducks.

Apart from the whistling ducks, the youngsters will ultimately be transferred out of the park when it is appropriate and safe to do so in order to allow for genetic mixing and conservation at other zoological parks and educational farms, according to Laurent Peyronel, the director of the Jardin Animalier Rainier III.

A PASSION PROJECT

The Jardin Animalier Rainier III is home to around 400 animals from 60 species hailing from around the world. The majority make their way to Monaco having been confiscated by border controllers or abandoned. Others make their home here after unsuccessful stays at different zoological parks.

The park was a lifetime passion project for the late Prince Rainier, and since the end of May, a photography exhibition in memory of the great man has acted as an added attraction at the park.

Entitled “Le Prince et ses animaux”, it tells the story of Prince Rainier III’s love for and devotion to the Jardin Animalier Rainier III through a series of snaps taken within the property. Many have never been seen before in public and offer an intimate insight into the role of the Prince in the missions and goals of the park. It will continue to be open to the public until 31st December.

The park is open year-round and tickets cost €6 for adults, €3 for children aged six to 17, and are free of charge for under sixes. For more information, please click here.

Click on the images below to see some of the babies born this summer: