Sitatunga Calf Born In to the Herd at the Maryland Zoo

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: February 27, 2021 9:10 am

The sitatunga calf explores the barn with mom at the Maryland Zoo

Photo Credit: The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore

The herd of sitatunga at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, USA grew on Thursday, February 24th 2021 as a calf was born. Female cricket gave birth to a healthy female calf which has been named June.

“We are very happy to welcome June, born to Cricket earlier this month. This little one did not appear to nurse as quickly as we hoped, but with some encouragement she did finally get the hang of it. So, we are very pleased that she is thriving under the care of her mother, who was born here in 2013,” stated Erin Grimm, mammal collection and conservation manager at the Zoo.

“This is Cricket’s second offspring and as a proven mother she is showing great maternal instincts.”

The sitatunga calf explores the barn with mom at the Maryland Zoo

Photo Credit: The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore

The current herd of sitatunga at the Maryland Zoo now includes 10 animals with the addition of the calf. These can be seen in two habitats along the boardwalk in the African journey section at the zoo.

“For now Cricket and June will stay behind-the-scenes together,” said Grimm. “As the weather warms up we will make a determination about when they can make their public debut outside in the Sitatunga Yard with the rest of the herd.”

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The breeding of this calf was recommended by the Sitatunga Species Survival Plan (SSP) coordinated by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). SSPs provide breeding recommendations to maximize genetic diversity which helps to ensure the health of individuals in the zoo population.

The sitatunga is an antelope which live in swamps, marshes and flood plains in Central Africa. They are vulnerable to over-hunting, habitat loss and the draining of their habitat. At present they are not classed as vulnerable or endangered.