World’s Tiniest Antelope Born at Brookfield Zoo and it’s Adorable!

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: November 7, 2021 11:34 am

A male Kirk’s dik-dik, with his mom, Buttons, at Brookfield Zoo. Currently, they are bonding behind the scenes (photo taken at 5 days old)

Photo Credit: CZS/ Brookfield Zoo

The Brookfield Zoo have an adorable new resident, a kirk’s dik-dik. They are one of the world’s smallest species of antelope. Mother Buttons gave birth to the male calf on October 13th 2021.

Currently mother and calf are bonding behind the scene where their is no disturbances.

In this behind the scenes area is a nest site where the new arrival will spend the first 10 to 20 days. The calf will nurse from mom for three to four months.

— AD —

Guests keen to see the new arrival will have to wait until spring 2022 when it will make its debut. A pair of adults are on display at the zoo. Animal care staff have set up a camera to record the baby until this time with the videos being shared on the zoo’s social media channels.

Brookfield Zoo are now home to five Kirk’s dik-dik representing 20% of the North American population of this species. They are held at 11 zoos.

Kirk’s dik-dik are among the world’s smallest antelope species and can be found in parts of Africa. Their name comes from the call they make if threatened.

They have an elongated snout which helps to keep them cool by rapidly panting. It also helps to minimize their water needs.

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

A Kirk’s dik-dik, one of the world’s smallest antelopes, was born at Brookfield Zoo on October 13. (photo taken at 1 day old)

Photo Credit: CZS/ Brookfield Zoo