Stork brings lots o' lambs to Denver Zoo

Posted: May 27, 2010 3:39 PM by Elaine Sheridan
Updated: May 27, 2010 3:39 PM

There will be plenty of "awing" at Denver Zoo's Sheep Mountain this summer. Recently the zoo welcomed the births of two Dall sheep and three Rocky Mountain Bighorn lambs.

Zookeepers will learn the sex of the lambs and name them after their first vaccinations, but all of the lambs appear to be doing well. Visitors can see the fab five now at Sheep Mountain.

Spring births are quite normal for both species. Their lambs are very active immediately after birth. In the wild, they must be able to run, climb and jump effectively within minutes after their birth in order to keep up with their mother and stay safe.

Dall sheep are found throughout Alaska, the Yukon, Northwest Territories and the northwest part of British Columbia. They have thick, nearly pure-white fur which not only keeps them warm during the winter, but also provides camouflage against their snowy, rocky habitat.

Rocky Mountain Bighorn sheep are found in the Rocky Mountains from southern Canada to Colorado. They are typically brown or beige in appearance. As their name implies, males have massive horns on their heads which can weigh as much as 50 pounds.