By PIX11 NEWSROOM pix11.com

6:21 p.m. EDT, September 1, 2011
CENTRAL PARK, NY (PIX11)—
On the day that Hurricane Irene hit New York City, the Central Park Zoo got an exciting surprise -- a baby doll sheep was born. Irene Hope was born in the morning on Saturday, August 27, weighing roughly eight pounds.

"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. "We had to name her Irene Hope. She was a big surprise. It is rare to see a lamb born in late August." Zoo workers made sure the newborn lamb was healthy, and then secured Irene Hope and her mother, Truffle, in a stable where they would be safe from the storm.

Irene Hope is a Southdown, or baby doll sheep, one of the oldest breeds of sheep. The breed originated in Sussex, England, according to the Zoo.

Truffle will nurse the lamb for the next three months, but visitors to the zoo can see Irene Hope starting today.

The zoo is located at Fifth Avenue and 64th Street. For further information, please call 212-439-6500 or visit www.centralparkzoo.com.