Keepers Raise Tiny Antelope at Lincoln Park Zoo
April 30, 2014
There's a new baby Klipspringer at Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago! Klipspingers (Afrikaans for 'rock jumper') are dwarf antelopes so tiny that an adult can fit all four of their hooves on a Canadian dollar coin, approximately 36 mm in diameter.
Born March 30, the female Klipspringer calf is the second offspring of mom Triumph and dad Dash, who were recommended as a breeding pair as a part of the Klipspringer Species Survival Program. The female calf joins her sister Arya, who also resides at the zoo.
Photo credit: Todd Rosenberg / Lincoln Park Zoo
See video of the baby Klipspringer:
“The Klipspringer calf is healthy and eating well and, as a result, has almost doubled her weight since birth,” said Curator of Mammals Mark Kamhout. “Currently, the calf is being hand-reared by our animal care staff after the mother was unable to provide adequate care.”
According to Kamhout, there are many factors that go into the decision to hand-rear an animal including medical condition, maternal care and proper habitat. After observation, the zoo’s animal care staff decided hand-rearing the calf was in the best interest of the animal.
“The calf will continue to receive around-the-clock care behind-the-scenes until she is able to fully navigate the vertical elements of her new habitat in Regenstein African Journey,” said Kamhout.
See and read more after the fold.
Klipspringers are dwarf antelope found in central and eastern Africa that reach an average of 24 pounds (about 11 kg). While small, Klipspringers are mighty - and territorial - using scent glands on their faces to mark their territory and horns to fight for their mate.
While the calf remains off exhibit, zoo guests can still visit Klipspringers in Regenstein African Journey daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.