Home » Home » Brevard Zoo Welcomes New White-Nosed Coati Kits in Conservation Milestone

Brevard Zoo Welcomes New White-Nosed Coati Kits in Conservation Milestone

By  //  May 6, 2026

Each birth is carefully planned and coordinated with Brevard Zoo, SSP coordinator and studbook keeper

There’s exciting news behind the scenes at Brevard Zoo as several white-nosed coati kits have recently been born as part of an ongoing conservation effort. Female coatis Romi and Rita have each welcomed their own litters of kits, while another coati, Sky, also gave birth, though her kit was unfortunately stillborn.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – There’s exciting news behind the scenes at Brevard Zoo as several white-nosed coati kits have recently been born as part of an ongoing conservation effort.

Female coatis Romi and Rita have each welcomed their own litters of kits, while another coati, Sky, also gave birth, though her kit was unfortunately stillborn.

Despite the loss, zoo officials emphasize that each successful birth plays a critical role in protecting the species’ future.

These births are part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan, a program designed to maintain healthy, genetically diverse populations of animals in accredited facilities to help safeguard species in the wild.

White-nosed coatis, native to Central and South America, face increasing threats from hunting and deforestation, leading to declining populations.

According to zoo staff, every new kit represents an important step forward in preserving the species while also providing valuable insight into coati behavior, breeding, and social dynamics.

Each birth is carefully planned and coordinated between Brevard Zoo’s animal programs team and the SSP coordinator and studbook keeper, Lauren Hinson, along with other accredited institutions.

This level of collaboration ensures the long-term health and sustainability of coatis in managed care.

Staff Veterinarian Dr. Garrett Crooks recently examined the week-old kits, which are currently being cared for in a behind-the-scenes habitat alongside their mothers.

Zoo officials shared that Romi was gradually acclimated to her birthing space in advance to help ensure a calm and successful first birth experience.

Each birth is carefully planned and coordinated between Brevard Zoo’s animal programs team and the SSP coordinator and studbook keeper

The introduction of a new male coati, Onyx, last November, also played a key role in this year’s breeding success.

Onyx sired Romi’s kits, while longtime sire Tito fathered the kits of Rita and Sky. The addition of Onyx was part of a strategic effort to increase genetic diversity—an essential factor in strengthening disease resistance, adaptability, and the species’ long-term survival.

“The coati population in AZA organizations has been slowly increasing as we have had births,” said Curator of Animals Sidnee Helton.

“The goal is to increase diversity through the AZA population, and we have accomplished that by having successful breeding with Onyx.”

For now, the kits will remain off-exhibit as they continue to grow and develop under close supervision.

They are expected to receive their first round of vaccinations at eight weeks old, followed by a second round at 12 weeks.

After that, they will be introduced to the zoo’s Rainforest Revealed habitat, where guests can eventually see them alongside the rest of the coati group.

Zoo officials encourage the community to follow along on social media for updates on when the young coatis will make their public debut.