Mommas show off their young at zoo

Sussex — The Momma Black Bears at Space Farms Zoo came out of their long winter’s sleep this year with adorable, fuzzy cubs toddling behind them, writes Lori Space Day, the zoo’s zoologist. Currently the size of a bread box, the tiny cubs were born in mid-January, according to Parker Space, co-owner with his father, Fred Space. “That was the first time I heard them. Cubs make a distinctive humming-sucking noise,” he said. Other mommas showing their offspring at Space Farms this year include a Ring Tailed Lemur with a set of twins, Mouflon sheep, goats, ground hogs, white tails and even rattlesnake mommas. Mothers of all species are very protective of their young. “Most young stay with their moms,” says zoologist Day, “unless they are going to another zoo or need human intervention for a medical situation.” The nursery at the zoo has a five-week old woodchuck that is going to the Boston Museum of Science, two Mouflon lambs and an Assateague pony that needed extra “TLC,” she said. Going to the zoo Space Farms Zoo and Museum will celebrate Mother’s Day with a drawing for a free Family Season Pass. Season passes enable a family to come to the 100-acre zoo and museum complex every day from May 1 to October 31. The zoo and museum is located on Route 519 in Sussex. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $13.50 per adult, $9 per child, $12.50 per senior. Season passes, group rates and birthday parties are available. Find out more at 973-875-5800 or www.spacefarms.com.