A Japanese Serow was born at Inokashira Park Zoo on Thursday, July 10, 2025. The mother is named "Suzuna" and the father is named "Mumu". The baby has been confirmed to be male and will be named "Natsu (Nanatsumugi)".


Mother "Suzuna" and her newborn child (Photo taken: July 11, 2025)

Japanese Serow is a rare animal endemic to Japan and designated as a special natural monument. Therefore, Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums has created a "Japanese Serow Management Plan" with the goal of increasing the number of captive individuals through breeding while maintaining genetic diversity, and zoos throughout Japan are cooperating in breeding efforts.

This pair had previously successfully bred on July 6, 2022, April 20, 2023, and June 21, 2024. For this latest birth, due to health management considerations for the animals, the male and female were kept together (paired) from November 18, 2024, to ensure the birth would occur in late June or later. Around May 2025, Suzuna's weight increased, leading us to believe she was likely pregnant. We proceeded with preparations and confirmed the birth at 4:23 PM on July 10, 2025.

The birth took place during the zoo's opening hours, very close to the viewing walkway. The calf stood up about 10 minutes after birth, and we were able to confirm that it was nursing from its mother at 4:51 PM. We were worried because there was a heavy thunderstorm that evening, but the mother, Suzuna, skillfully guided the calf to a sheltered spot under a roof.

Suzuna is breastfeeding her child. (Date of photo: July 11, 2025)	A young Japanese Serow resting (Date of photo: July 11, 2025)

This is Suzuna's fourth pregnancy, so even when her pups are separated from her, she constantly checks on their whereabouts and remains calm during feeding. Mutsu (male), who was born last year, is also in the same exercise area, and he appears to be calm even with the newborns around.

The four cubs, including their father "Mumu," are currently on display in the same enclosure. Please note that depending on their health and the weather, the family may be moved to the back area for further care.

Current status of animal care at our zoo (as of July 15, 2025)
4 individuals (3 males, 1 female) *This includes the offspring born this time.

Breeding situation in Japan (as of December 31, 2024)
20 zoos/aquariums, 42 animals (22 males, 20 females)
Source: 2024 Japanese Serow Domestic Pedigree Registry [Japan Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums]


◎Related articles
・ Japanese Serow was born. (July 8, 2022)
・ Japanese Serow have been born for the second year in a row! (April 28, 2023)
・ Japanese Serow have been born for the third year in a row. (June 30, 2024)

(July 15, 2025)
(July 18, 2025: Added information on gender and breeding conditions in Japan)
(July 29, 2025: Name added)