Tiny Kirk’s Dik-Dik Calf Born at Colchester Zoo

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: July 26, 2020 5:00 pm

Photo Credit: Colchester Zoo

Colchester Zoo in the United Kingdom has welcomed the birth of a kirk’s dik-dik. They are one of the smallest antelopes and can be found in Africa.

Mother Daenerys and father Demetri are experienced parents having welcomed a number of offspring previously. This includes Dario who is still living at the zoo after his birth last year.

The latest calf was born on July 1st. Young dik-dik grow quickly and the youngster is almost the same size as his parents within just a few weeks.

Even as an adult the calf will stand just 45cm (17.7in) tall. One of the most notable features of kirk’s dik-dik is their moveable nose used to grasp food as they pick up leaves and food. Their nose is also used to prevent water loss. As blood circulates through the nose it is cooled by evaporation and then circulated through the rest of the body.

The baby dik-dik can be seen at Colchester Zoo where they share a habitat with the crowned cranes.

Learn more about Colchester Zoo on their website – Colchester Zoo