Newquay Zoo "thrilled" at birth of antelope

Newquay Zoo staff were thrilled when they arrived for

1.  

   Antelope born at Newquay Zoo

 

work to find a newborn nyala antelope.

The

baby is considered very special as it is the first of the species to have been born

at the Zoo n Newquay.

John Meek, Animal Collections Manager said: ‘‘We are so

proud of the fact we have managed to breed an nyala – they are a beautiful

species of antelope and by watching this baby grow up we will be able to learn

even more about them. Mother and baby are doing well - the baby was up on its

feet within hours and is getting stronger every day.’’

The nyala antelope are one of the popular range of species

to be found on the African Savanna exhibit at Newquay Zoo. In the wild the

mother will leave their newborn baby hidden away for the first few weeks,

returning only to clean and nurse them. Although the species is not considered

to be endangered, they have been negatively affected by habitat loss due to

over-farming, as well as by hunting.

To discover more about this birth, visit Newquay Zoo.