Antelope calf born at Maryland Zoo

The antelope calf and her mom.

The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore has announced that a female sitatunga (Tragelaphus spekii) calf was born on May 23, 2023, from female, Ally, and male, Beau. The mother and calf have been bonding behind the scenes until the calf is ready to join the larger herd.

A species of antelope native to Central Africa, the sitatunga resides in swamps, marshes and floodplains. According to an organizational release,¹ their long, splayed hooves enable them to walk across islands of floating vegetation and wet terrain without sinking. They are also excellent swimmers who can hide from predators under water with only their nostrils (and maybe eyes) visible.

Sitatunga are not classified as threatened or endangered, though they are vulnerable to over-hunting and habitat loss outside of protected areas.¹

This marks the third calf for the adult male, Beau, who was transferred to the Maryland Zoo as recommended by the Sitatunga Species Survival Plan coordinated by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

Reference

Maryland Zoo welcomes new calf to its sitatunga herd. News release. Maryland Zoo. June 1, 2023. Accessed June 2, 2023. https://www.marylandzoo.org/news-and-updates/2023/06/maryland-zoo-welcomes-new-calf-to-its-sitatunga-herd