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The DNAinfo archives brought to you by WNYC.
Read the press release here.

Baby Lamb 'Irene Hope' Born in Central Park Zoo During Hurricane

By DNAinfo Staff on September 1, 2011 2:29pm

MANHATTAN — A baby sheep was born at the Wildlife Conservation Society's Central Park Zoo as Hurricane Irene swept through the city last weekend.

The black-fleeced lamb, named Irene Hope, was discovered cuddled next to her mother in a stable last Saturday as staff began preparing for the coming storm.

"On a day of great uncertainty for New York City, the lamb brought smiles and hope to all of us at the zoo," said Susan Cardillo, an assistant curator for Central Park Zoo, in a statement.

"We had to name her Irene Hope. She was a big surprise. It is rare to see a lamb born in late August."

Cardillo told DNAinfo the zoo didn't realize the lamb's mother was pregnant, and that the storm may have even caused the sheep to give birth.

"Animals do sense the weather, so maybe that had something to do with it," she explained. "It was a wonderful surprise."

Staff from the Wildlife Conservation Society made sure the lamb was healthy and secured her with her mother as the hurricane barreled through the city, causing flooding and downed trees.

After the storm passed Sunday, zoo staff found the lamb and her mother resting peacefully.

The Southdown or "baby doll" sheep, who weighed about 8 pounds at birth, is one of the oldest breeds of sheep originating from Sussex, England, according to the zoo. Irene Hope will be nursed by her mother for about three to four months.

The Central Park Zoo has seven Southdown sheep, one ram, three ewes and three lambs.