Meet Gripen: Korat Zoo’s Newest Little Rock-Climber Steals the Show
There’s a fresh, fuzzy heartbeat at Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo — better known to locals and travelers as Korat Zoo — and visitors are already lining up for a peek. On August 26, the zoo celebrated the birth of a baby serow, a rare and protected mountain-dwelling ungulate, in what staff are calling a joyful milestone for conservation and a welcome dose of adorable for zoo-goers.
Zoo director Thanachon Kensing shared the happy news: the calf arrived healthy to proud mother Chomphu (meaning “rose apple” in Thai) and father A-ngoon (meaning “grape”). The newborn’s sex is still under wraps, but the little one has been christened “Gripen” — a tongue-in-cheek nod to the Swedish fighter jet mentioned during past border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia. If nothing else, the name promises a story every time visitors ask about it.
Why everyone’s falling for this serow
Gripen’s big, round eyes and playful movements have already become the talk of the zoo. Serows (pronounced seh-ROH) resemble mountain goats and antelopes, and their compact bodies and sure-footedness give them a mischievous, adventurous charm. Observers say the newborn is curious and lively — the kind of youngster who seems to be sizing up every rock and ledge for a future climbing route.
That athleticism is no accident. Serows are celebrated as some of the wild’s best rock-climbers: nimble, balanced, and fearless on steep, rocky terrain. In Thailand they’re officially protected — one of 21 wildlife species afforded special conservation status — which makes Gripen’s birth more than heartwarming: it’s a hopeful sign that breeding efforts within safe, managed environments are working.
Little facts that make Gripen even cooler
- Serows belong to the same family as goats and antelopes and are often described as mountain goats with exceptional climbing skills.
- They typically reach breeding age at two to three years.
- Mating season usually occurs between November and December, with a gestation period of seven to eight months.
- Mothers usually give birth to a single calf — though twins can occur — and newborns are able to stand and follow their mothers soon after birth, an essential survival trait in predator-prone habitats.
Gripen is part of a baby boom at Korat Zoo
Gripen’s arrival is the latest in a string of exciting births at Korat Zoo this year. On June 10, three Bengal tiger cubs — Khao Too, Khao Suay, and Khao Mao — tumbled into the world, much to the delight of big-cat fans. Then on August 15, a Patagonian mara added 12 tiny, sprinting bundles to the family; maras are the world’s third-largest rodents, after the capybara and the beaver, and their high-energy youngsters are an attraction in their own right.
Between the tigers, the maras, and now the serow calf, Korat Zoo is shaping up as one of the most rewarding family visits in Nakhon Ratchasima province. For wildlife photographers, animal lovers, and day-trippers from Bangkok, this season offers plenty of chances to see newborns at playful, exploratory stages of life.
Plan your visit — tips and practical info
Korat Zoo is in the Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima district, roughly a four- to five-hour drive from central Bangkok, making it a popular weekend destination for families and wildlife enthusiasts. The zoo welcomes visitors every day from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. — early mornings and later afternoons are often the best times to see active animals and avoid the midday heat.
Zoo staff encourage visitors not to miss the serow family exhibit while Gripen is still small and irresistibly cute. As always, guests should respect the animals by keeping a calm voice, avoiding flash photography, and following zoo signage and staff instructions to ensure the animals remain comfortable and safe.
Looking forward
Gripen’s birth is a reminder of why conservation-minded zoos matter: they provide safe breeding environments for species that face habitat loss, poaching, and other threats in the wild. Each successful birth is a small victory for biodiversity and a chance to educate the public about the fragile ecosystems these animals need to survive.
So if you’re planning a trip to Korat Zoo, bring your camera, bring your curiosity, and leave room in your itinerary for a slow stroll to the serow enclosure. Whether you’re charmed by those big, curious eyes or inspired by a tiny climber testing the limits of its world, Gripen is a small ambassador of hope for Thailand’s protected wildlife.
Visitors can follow Korat Zoo’s official channels for updates and photos, but nothing beats seeing a newborn serow wobble, stand, and take its first tentative steps in person — a live reminder that even the smallest creatures can spark the biggest smiles.
Cute baby, but naming a calf ‘Gripen’ after a fighter jet feels tone-deaf to me. Conservation should be about empathy, not geopolitical jokes. Still, I get that it makes a story for visitors.
I disagree — the name sparks curiosity and brings people in, which can help conservation funding. If the alternative is nobody showing up to learn about serows, I’d argue a quirky name is fine. Did anyone else find the description of their climbing skills fascinating?
But are we normalizing militaristic names for cute animals? That feels strange, especially given the region’s history. Conservation and political references shouldn’t be mixed casually.
Good point, Sam — I didn’t think about the regional tension. Maybe the zoo thought it was humorous, but context matters and locals might feel differently.
This is the kind of in-situ awareness captive breeding can build. A successful calf signals the program’s health and could help repopulate wild areas someday. Visit rates and education programs can translate into real conservation outcomes.
Breeding in managed environments can maintain genetic stock but needs careful protocols to avoid inbreeding and behavioral issues. The key is linking captive births to habitat protection, not just breeding for display. I’m hopeful but cautious.
Absolutely, Elena. I hope Korat Zoo has a transparent genetic plan and partnerships with in-the-field conservationists. Otherwise these births are merely PR stunts.
Zoos are museums for animals and I hate them. Putting animals in cages for our entertainment isn’t conservation — it’s exploitation. Gripen is just another photo-op for people on weekend trips.
Not all zoos are the same. Some rehabilitate and educate, others are problematic. The article suggests Korat is doing breeding work for a protected species, which could be defensible if done ethically.
I hear you, but how many times does a ‘breeding program’ just mean more animals kept from living wild? Without reintroductions and habitat security, it’s hollow.
I volunteer at a rescue and we partner with parks for reintroduction. It is possible, but transparency is key like you said. Korat Zoo should publish outcomes if they’re serious.
Serows are understudied compared to more charismatic mammals, so any well-documented birth is valuable scientifically. I’d like to see data on parentage, health checks, and how they plan to manage Gripen’s genetics long-term.
Genetic diversity matters; small captive populations risk drift. If Korat is cooperating regionally to exchange individuals, this could be a model program. Otherwise it risks creating a closed, unhealthy gene pool.
Exactly — even simple measures like studbooks and periodic genetic screening go a long way. Public-facing updates would also educate visitors about those complexities.
As a Thai local, I find the name ‘Gripen’ mischievous and maybe provocative. People in Korat remember border tensions; the joke might not land equally for all visitors. Still, the baby is adorable and proud for local conservation.
Thanks for pointing that out. Names carry meanings, and sometimes international visitors miss the nuance. The zoo should have consulted communities before choosing it.
They did a small poll among staff according to a friend who works there, but not widely. It’s more about sensitivity than intent, which I hope the zoo recognizes.
As a visitor from Bangkok, I wasn’t aware of the implications and just thought it was a cute name. Learning the backstory actually made my trip more meaningful.
Planning a family trip to Korat Zoo next month — any tips for seeing Gripen without stressing the animal? I have a toddler and we want a responsible visit.
Go early morning or late afternoon as the article said, keep back from barriers, and listen to staff. Bring binoculars instead of crowding the enclosure and avoid flash photos.
Great, thanks! I’ll also teach my kid to be quiet and calm around the animals so we don’t scare the little one.
While community outreach is crucial, we should not romanticize captive births as a cure-all. They provide educational opportunities but must be part of integrated conservation including anti-poaching, habitat corridors, and policy work. I’m glad Korat is seeing success but would like to know their bigger conservation plan.
That’s the crux of it — zoos can either be conservation hubs or entertainment parks. The public can’t tell which is which unless institutions are transparent and held accountable.
Transparency helps. Some zoos publish annual reports and conservation metrics; others don’t. Pressuring facilities to share data benefits everyone and the species.
Exactly — metrics like survival to maturity, successful reintroductions, genetic diversity indices should be public. If Korat publishes such stats, I’ll be very impressed.
Gripen is so cute! I want to go see the baby serow and take a lot of pictures. My teacher said serows can climb rocks like superheroes.
Bring an adult and don’t use flash, Evan. It’s wonderful to be excited but we must be gentle with animals and listen to signs and zoo staff.
Okay, I will. I promise to be quiet and nice to Gripen and his mom. I hope Gripen grows up strong.
I’ve visited Korat Zoo three times this year and the baby booms are real — the tigers, maras, and now Gripen. The place feels alive and it’s great for local tourism. Just wish the gift shop wasn’t so pricey.
As a wildlife photographer, I appreciated the enclosures for allowing ethical shooting distances without intrusive barriers. The light is best late afternoon for capturing baby awkwardness on rocks.
Totally agree on the light. Also, bring cash for food stalls; local vendors have the best snacks after a long walk around the grounds.
I love seeing local conservation wins. But as others say, let’s ensure this is part of real ecosystem protection. I don’t want to see more cute babies that never go back to the wild.
Exactly — education matters but we need practical actions like habitat restoration too. Maybe Korat can partner with NGOs for rewilding projects.