Montgomery Zoo introduces Baby Ostrich Flock referred to as the “Beans”

Information courtesy of Montgomery Zoo

Photos courtesy of Montgomery Zoo

MONTGOMERY ZOO (Montgomery, AL): The Montgomery Zoo is excited to announce the arrival and public debut of four young ostrich chicks: Navy, Chickpea, Lima, and Green Bean. The “beans,” as they are lovingly referred to, hatched between June 2–5, 2025 in Georgia and were brought to the zoo by staff on September 10th. The ostrich chicks have spent the past several months behind the scenes completing their quarantine period and settling comfortably into their new home.

On December 22nd, they made their first appearance on public display, delighting guests with their curiosity, energy, and unmistakable personalities. Over the coming weeks, they will begin a gradual introduction to Gisele, the Zoo’s adult female ostrich, as they continue to grow and gain confidence.

Each chick has already developed distinct characteristics:

Navy is a goofy, inquisitive girl who loves to investigate everything, especially her keepers’ clothing, which she excitingly grabs and tugs at during feedings, cleanings, and training sessions.

Chickpea, the boldest of the group, is always on the move. She’s the first to try anything new and keeps the animal care team on their toes with her fearless, fast‑paced antics.

Lima has taken on the role of protector. Ever vigilant, she watches for “danger” (including fast‑moving keepers) and positions herself between her sisters and anything unfamiliar.

Green Bean, the tallest chick, is also the shyest. She prefers to hang back, observing carefully before joining in, and approaches new experiences with thoughtful caution.

As a group, the “beans” are irresistibly friendly and endlessly curious. They inspect everything in their environment (keepers included) often pecking at glasses, tattoos, and anything shiny within reach. One of their favorite morning rituals is performing energetic “spins,” a behavior that has quickly become a staff favorite.

“The past few months I’ve gotten to know each of the beans and fallen in love with their personalities,” said Zookeeper Paige Morris. “I’m grateful we’re expanding Gisele’s flock after the loss of her sister, Heidi. Everyone is looking forward to watching them all go out and do their morning spins and dances together.”

Over the summer, the Zoo experienced the loss of one of its two adult female ostriches, Heidi, who had lived alongside her sister, Gisele, since they arrived at the Montgomery Zoo together in 2014. Welcoming these four chicks helps expand the flock and provide Gisele with much‑needed companionship.

Guests can visit Navy, Chickpea, Lima, and Green Bean in the Africa section of the Zoo. Their schedule may vary based on weather and animal care needs, so visitors are encouraged to call ahead for daily updates.

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The Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum is a 42-acre zoological facility located minutes from the heart of historic, downtown Montgomery. The Montgomery Zoo features a variety of exotic animals native to Africa, Asia, Australia, North America, and South America. A trademark addition of the Zoo is the Mann Wildlife Learning Museum, housing the one of the Southeast’s largest collections of preserved North American wildlife, artifacts, and fossils. The Montgomery Zoo is a department of the City of Montgomery.

Daily operating hours: 9:30am – 4:30pm, with last admission at 3:30pm.

Admission: Adults $19, Children (3-12 years) $15, Toddlers (2 years and under) FREE, and Seniors 65 years old and older $17.