Nashville Zoo Introduce Eland Calf to Africa Field

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: July 8, 2021 1:20 am

Murray, a six week old eland calf has been introduced to the Africa Field habitat at Nashville Zoo

Photo Credit: Kate Johns/ Nashville Zoo

Nashville Zoo have introduced their six week old eland calf to the Africa Field habitat. Born on May 22nd 2021 the calf has been bonding with mom, Indigo in a behind the scenes area.

Both Murray and Indigo have been doing well following a difficult birth. Indigo experienced some discomfort during her birth and was taken to the zoo’s veterinary center where vets provided some assistance with the birth.

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Indigo is a first time mother and is not familiar with nursing a calf. As such keepers have been helping out by feeding the calf. He is provided with two bottles of milk each day and is now ready to go out on the field.

Keepers must take special care to ensure the calf does not become too attached to them while he is being fed.

“Most antelopes recognize that we are not their mother,” said Lead Hoofstock Keeper, Nikole Edmunds. “But hand-raised males have a hard time distinguishing between us and mom so we do our best to limit interaction.” Staff will change clothes, and refrain from making eye contact or speaking while Murray is being fed. 

Murray, a six week old eland calf has been introduced to the Africa Field habitat at Nashville Zoo

Photo Credit: Kate Johns/ Nashville Zoo

Eland are native to grasslands and semi-arid areas in Africa. Nashville Zoo participate in a breeding program with other zoos to ensure diversity in the captive population.

At the zoo the eland herd can be seen in Africa Field alongside ostriches, bontebok and zebra.

Learn more about Rattlesnakes here – Eland Fact File | The Animal Facts

Learn more about the Nashville Zoo on their website – Nashville Zoo