New Gerenuk Calf at the Wild Animal Park!
Posted at 4:52 pm November 18, 2005 by Marcia ReddingThe newest member of the gerenuk herd has taken his place, along with his mother, in the grassy exhibit across from the okapi in the Wild Animal Park's Heart of Africa habitat. The male calf has been off exhibit until now to allow him to mature a little and be able to navigate the exhibit safely. The gerenuk herd is brought into a barn every night, as these antelope are delicate and are easily frightened in the dark. Calves have to be able to move with the herd before going into the big exhibit.
Gerenuk are beautiful, graceful antelope that are uniquely adapted to browse the middle level of foliage on the African savanna - they are able to stand completely erect on their hind legs, quite a sight to behold. Our new little one has already stood up tall with his forefeet resting on his mother, even though he is not eating much browse as yet.
The new calf has found a favorite spot to rest in the exhibit, in a comfortable corner, but is up and about with his mother quite a bit too. The gerenuk herd is on exhibit from 9AM to 1:30PM, barring inclement weather or high winds. Come check him out!
Marcia Redding is a senior mammal keeper at the Wild Animal Park.
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November 19th, 2005 at 3:42 pm
Marcia, how grand that the baby is interacting with the herd now. Gerenuks are such beautiful and interesting creatures, and I can't wait to see them all next time I'm at the WAP, soon after Thanksgiving I hope. Does the little boy have a name? Thanks so much for keeping us informed.
And could you possibly let us know if Etosha has had her cubs yet? I'm sure I'm not the only viewer anxiously awaiting word of her. Thanks again.
November 21st, 2005 at 8:44 am
These blogs have been so terrific–learning about the different activities and newborns to the zoo and WAP has been terrific. Of course, many of us frequent visitors to this site are hooked on what's coming next, especially the news concerning Etosha. Like blogger #1, I am looking forward to an update–an update that contains good news! Thanks again for sharing all your news with us. I realize it takes extra time from your busy routine to provide us with your thoughtful and informational words.
Editor's note: An update on the lions will be coming soon.
November 22nd, 2005 at 8:05 am
Wow all the great news about babies at the zoo!
An update about the 4 cheetahs born in August and abandoned by their mother would be much appreciated!
November 22nd, 2005 at 4:51 pm
Margaret, the four cheetah girls are now at the Wild Animal Park, at the CRES facility. I saw them a couple of weeks ago and they are doing great!!
November 26th, 2005 at 7:18 am
Marcia (#4)
Thanks for that update - I'm on the East Coast so a visit isn't easy. The young cheetahs on cam at National Zoo are actually how I got turned on to the baby pandas. Have always loved cheetahs and now the pandas have won my heart. And all this in turn has given me access to all the wonderful work done at these zoos.