Gothamist

A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.

Gothamist

WNYC Listen Live

Donate

 

 

Arts & Entertainment

Video: Meet The Central Park Zoo Lamb Born During Storm, "Irene Hope"


By

Ben Yakas

Published Sep 1, 2011

Modified Sep 1, 2011


Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail


Never miss a story

 Email address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .

Irene Hope, born in a stable at the Wildlife Conservation Society's Central Park Zoo, on Saturday, Aug. 27, as NYC braced for the roar of Hurricane Irene.

 

Gothamist

View all 2


By

Ben Yakas

Published Sep 1, 2011

Modified Sep 1, 2011


Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail


We rely on your support to make local news available to all

Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

Reno the "hurricane cat" wasn't the only adorable critter whose story will forever be tied to Hurricane Irene—during the middle of the storm, a lamb was born at the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Central Park Zoo. She's been named "Irene Hope," she's ridiculously cute, and she sounds like a kazoo. Watch below:

Irene was born on Saturday, according to Susan Cardillo, an assistant curator for Central Park Zoo: “On a day of great uncertainty for New York City, the lamb brought smiles and hope to all of us at the zoo. We had to name her Irene Hope. She was a big surprise. It is rare to see a lamb born in late August.” Irene is a Southdown or baby doll sheep, one of the oldest breeds of sheep that originate from Sussex, England; her proud parents are Truffle and Sid.

And you can start visiting her at the zoo today! "It's important for the baby to come out and be with the herd, to socialize and learn how to be a sheep," Cardillo told the News. We just hope she'll be able to teach us about life, love, and being nice to each other.

Tagged

central park zoo

cute

hurricane irene

irene hope

lamb

manhattan


Ben Yakas

Ben Yakas is a former Gothamist reporter.

Read more

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


MORE arts-entertainment

A new film invites you to eavesdrop on one of the greatest conversations in NYC history

In 1972, legendary documentarian William Greaves filmed a party he threw for Harlem Renaissance luminaries. With help from his family, "Once Upon a Time in Harlem" brings that decades-old footage to theaters.

By

Sonia Rao

Published Oct 21, 2026


The Knicks are NBA champions. Now they have to start dressing the part.

Before they attempt to fend off LeBron James and the 76ers on Tuesday, the Knicks will have a chance to show off their winning mentality through their tunnel fits.

By

Sonia Rao

Arts & Entertainment

The Knicks are NBA champions. Now they have to start dressing the part.

Before they attempt to fend off LeBron James and the 76ers on Tuesday, the Knicks will have a chance to show off their winning mentality through their tunnel fits.

By

Sonia Rao


Will Barnes and Noble in the East Village spell doom for smaller shops? It's complicated.

By

Sonia Rao

Can eligible NYC singles find love with 30 minutes and some really spicy food?

By

Elizabeth Shwe

and

James Ramsay

How the NYC Marathon has changed in the last 50 years

By

Hannah Frishberg


Never miss a story

Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.

Sign upEmail address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .