Meet the newest member of the Brevard Zoo family: A pint-sized klipspringer calf

The newest addition to Brevard Zoo, the klipspringer calf. (Photo courtesy of Brevard zoo).

Brevard Zoo—a Florida-based zoo— home to more than 900 animals representing 195 species worldwide—welcomed the birth of a 27.5-ounce male baby klipspringer calf to its animal kingdom—making him the ninth klipspringer to be born at the zoo.

The currently unnamed infant calf was born on April 15, 2021, around 6:30 pm to mom Deborah, 4, and dad Ajabu, 6. A neonatal exam was performed and the antelope appears to be a male, in relatively good health, and nursing well. He will continue spending several weeks bonding with his mother in a private location before making his public debut.

According to the release, this species is a type of dwarf antelope that is native to the rocky areas of sub-Saharan, Africa. As adults, they typically weigh between 18-40 lbs and usually give birth to 1 calf at a time.

The species is also known for its surefootedness—they are light and nimble and can jump with accuracy. Although these animals do not face any immediate threats in the wild, they are sometimes targeted by hunters.

To learn more about the klipspringer species and Brevard Zoo, go here.