Klipspringer calf makes leaps and bounds in first weeks of life at Lincoln Park Zoo
Chicago, 2014-04-25 — /Travel PR News/ — “Bouncing baby” has a literal meaning at Lincoln Park Zoo this spring! The zoo is celebrating the birth of a baby klipspringer (Afrikaans for “rock jumper”) at Regenstein African Journey. The thrilling new arrival is the first of many births expected throughout the zoo this year.
Born March 30, the female klipspringer calf is the second offspring of Dash (sire) and Triumph (dam), who were recommended to breed as a part of the Klipspringer Species Survival Program (SSP). The female calf joins her sister Arya, who also resides at the zoo.
“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.
Klipspringers are dwarf antelope found in central and eastern Africa that reach an average of 24 pounds. While small, klipspringers are mighty – and territorial – using scent glands on their faces to mark their territory and horns to fight for their mate. These mammals are so small they can even fit all four of their hooves on a Canadian dollar, approximately 36mm in diameter.
The calf is healthy, eating well, and growing normally. 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.
For more video, images and more information, please visit www.lpzoo.org/klipspringer.
###
Media Contact:
Sharon Dewar
(312) 742-2246
SDewar@lpzoo.org
Jillian Braun
(312) 742-5791
JBraun@lpzoo.org
ABOUT LINCOLN PARK ZOO
Lincoln Park Zoo, a historic Chicago landmark founded in 1868, is dedicated to connecting people with nature by providing a free, family-oriented wildlife experience. A leader in conservation science both globally and locally, the zoo exemplifies the highest quality animal care and educational outreach. The not-for-profit zoo, managed by The Lincoln Park Zoological Society, is a member-supported organization and one of the nation’s only free, privately managed zoos. For more information, call 312 -742-2000 or visit www.lpzoo.org.
###VB
Lincoln Park Zoo celebrates the birth of a female klipspringer calf