Lesser Kudu Calf Born at The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: October 18, 2020 12:05 am

A lesser kudu calf at the Maryland Zoo

Photo Credit: The Maryland Zoo

The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore have welcomed a lesser kudu calf. Seven year old Meringue gave birth to the calf in the afternoon of October 5th, 2020. This is Meringue’s second calf.

Keepers have named this calf Kaddett. Currently he measures 0.9m (3ft) tall and weighs 6.4kg (14lbs).

The father of the calf is 10 year old Ritter.

A lesser kudu calf at the Maryland Zoo

Photo Credit: The Maryland Zoo

“The calf was standing and nursing within an hour of being born, which is very good. He has long, spindly legs and huge ears right now; he’s very cute at the moment,” said Erin Grimm, mammal collection and conservation manager. “Meringue is taking great care of him and we are pleased with his progress so far.”

This calf has been born following a recommendation from the Lesser Kudu Species Survival Plan (SSP) which is coordinated by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). SSPs provide breeding recommendations to maximize genetic diversity, with the goal of ensuring the long-term survival of the AZA population and the health of individual animals.

A lesser kudu calf at the Maryland Zoo

Photo Credit: The Maryland Zoo

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“Right now he will remain in the barn bonding with Meringue for a couple of weeks. His first turn out into the habitat will be weather dependent, but we hope to have them outside before it gets too cold,” continued Grimm.

Lesser kudus are one of eight species of spiral horned antelope found in Africa. One of their key features is a large pair of horns on their head.