We got the beasts

One-year-old Akituusaq, New York Aquarium

Photograph: Julie Larsen Maher/WCS

Cute and cuddly

Baby kangaroo, Prospect Park Zoo
Riley, a five-month-old joey (at right), and her parents, Christy and Junior, roam freely in their habitat along the zoo’s Discovery Trail. Prospect Park happens to be the only zoo in the Northeast where you can see western gray kangaroos. The best time to catch Riley bouncing around is in the morning, right after she wakes up.

Chinchillas, Petco in Union Square
These softies, which look like plump, rabbit-size mice, are prized for their luxurious fur. All Petco shops in the city sell chinchillas, guinea pigs, mice and other pocket pets; at this Manhattan location, kids can also stroke cats and kittens, courtesy of Kittykind, a no-kill shelter. 860 Broadway between 17th and 18th Sts (212-358-0692, petco.com). Subway: L, N, Q, R, W, 4, 5, 6 to 14th St–Union Sq.

Baby walrus, New York Aquarium
Wish tubby Akituusaq (pronounced ah-COO-sack) a happy first birthday at the aquarium’s Big Baby Bash, Saturday 14 and Sunday 15. There’ll be music, games, storytelling and face painting. Kids are also invited to sign a giant birthday card and enter a contest to guess the big baby’s weight. (Hint: He was 115 pounds when he was born on June 12, 2007, and he has gained about 30 pounds a month since.)

Bunnies and guinea pigs, the Art Farm
Your tot can “adopt” one of the indoor petting zoo’s small animals for a year and stop by for visits ($295 annual fee). The Manhattan branch has bunnies, guinea pigs, hamsters, tree frogs, exotic birds and tortoises. When you’re there, ask about the Art Farm’s Hamptons outpost (739 Butter Ln off Montauk Hwy, Bridgehampton, NY); open in July and August, it keeps horses, pigs, donkeys, chickens and ducks. 419 E 91st St between First and York Aves (212-410-3117, theartfarms.org). Subway: 4, 5, 6 to 86th St.

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