Niabi Zoo Has Welcomed A New Baby Animal

Baby animals are always precious, but this new addition to the Niabi Zoo is a whole new level of cuteness.

WQAD reports that a zoo alpaca named Paila gave birth to a baby boy on Sunday, September 1.

Alpaca babies are referred to as "cria." According to the zoo, the cria was already standing and nursing on his own 4 hours after being born.

An alpaca's gestation period is typically between 11 and 12 months, and the average cria weighs between 18 and 20 pounds.

The new alpaca isn't the only change going on at Niabi. The zoo is currently undergoing a long-term renovation and expansion. New animals (like flamingos, prairie dogs, and penguins) will be added over the next few years, along with a lion habitat, restaurant, a dino digging area, and more.

The renovation is expected to take a total of 10 years and will be completed in three phases.