Reviewed by: Pat Byington
Montgomery Zoo introduces Baby Ostrich Flock —the “Beans”
Reading time: 3 minutes
The Montgomery Zoo is welcoming some seriously adorable new residents—and they’re already stealing hearts.
Four young ostrich chicks—Navy, Chickpea, Lima and Green Bean—have officially made their public debut, and together they’re known as the “Beans.”
Now that they’re ready for the spotlight, visitors can finally meet these curious newcomers—and they each have plenty of personality.
Big personalities—tiny Beans
The chicks hatched between June 2–5, 2025 in Georgia and were transported to the Montgomery Zoo by staff on September 10. Since then, they’ve been settling into their new home behind the scenes, completing quarantine and growing more confident by the day.
The Beans made their first public appearance on December 22, delighting guests with their playful energy, curiosity and unmistakable individual traits. Over the coming weeks, the chicks will gradually be introduced to Gisele, the Zoo’s adult female ostrich, as they continue to grow and gain confidence.
Here’s a closer look at each Bean:
- Navy is the goofy, inquisitive one. She loves investigating everything—especially her keepers’ clothing—and has a habit of enthusiastically grabbing and tugging during feedings, cleanings and training sessions.
- Chickpea is the bold leader of the flock. 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 appointed herself the protector. She stays alert 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 and observe before jumping in, approaching new experiences with thoughtful caution.
As a group, the Beans are irresistibly friendly and endlessly curious. They inspect everything in their environment—keepers included—and are especially fascinated by glasses, tattoos and anything shiny.
One of their favorite morning rituals? Performing energetic “spins,” a behavior that has quickly become a staff favorite.
A growing flock
“The past few months I’ve gotten to know each of the Beans and fallen in love with their personalities, 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.”
Zookeeper Paige Morris
Earlier this summer, the Zoo experienced the loss of Heidi, one of its two adult female ostriches who had lived alongside her sister Gisele since arriving at the Montgomery Zoo in 2014. Welcoming the four chicks helps expand the flock and provides Gisele with much-needed companionship.
How to visit the “Beans”
Guests can visit Navy, Chickpea, Lima and Green Bean in the Africa section of the Montgomery Zoo.
- Location: 2301 Coliseum Pkwy, Montgomery, AL 36110
- 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
- Seniors 65 years old and older $17
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Who else is excited to check out the “Beans?” Let us know @thebamabuzz. Want updates like this delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for our newsletter today.
