GULF SHORES — The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo has officially grown, as the zoo welcomed the birth of Waylon, a New Guinea singing dog.

In a statement released on Nov. 3, the zoo announced Waylon was born to parents Yugi and Jacoby on Sept. 13 and spent the first few weeks of his life out of the public eye.

"He is now beginning to adventure out into the park," the release said. "Waylon will continue to be trained and will serve as an educational animal ambassador to educate the community about his species and the importance of conservation."

According to the release, Waylon made his animal ambassador debut last week at the zoo's annual Zoo Brew fundraiser on Nov. 3.

Waylon's parents, Yugi and Jacoby, joined the zoo in March and are most closely related to the Australian dingo.

"They have been around for a long time. Fossil records of the species date back at least 6,000 years ago. For many years, singing dogs were thought to be extinct in the wild. However, recently, biologists have found evidence of wild populations in some remote areas of New Guinea," the release said. "Their name comes from their distinctive yodel-like howl that rises and falls in pitch. Waylon has already begun to demonstrate his vocal abilities and is serenading his keeper staff regularly."

According to the release, visitors can observe the New Guinea singing dogs in the "big cat" area of the zoo, daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.