Florida Zoo Welcomes One of the Tiniest Antelopes in the World
The Blue Duiker is one of the smallest antelope species in the world, and these little guys weigh between 6 to 19 pounds and stand between 12 to 16 inches. For comparison, the largest species of Antelope in the world is the Eland Antelope, and they can stand five to six feet tall and weigh between 1,000 to 2,000 pounds!
The Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens announced the new arrival of a baby Blue Duiker on Saturday and he is just too cute for words. Check out the following to see this little guy gets the zoomies.
People on Facebook are absolutely enchanted by this new little arrival. One person commented, "These names are great! Can’t wait to see baby Bisque."
Another person replied, "Saw him the other day and he is adorable. He was being teased by a squirrel and running to hide to his momma." Awwww! Another person added, "He's adorable!!! Congratulations to all at Central Florida Zoo!"
Related: Omaha Zoo Celebrates Birth of African Grey Elephant Calf
The Zoo posted on their Facebook video, "Everyone, meet Bisque. This newborn male blue duiker can now be seen with his mother in the wreathed hornbill habitat. He's tiny, and often hides behind the safety of his mom, Kadidi, but every now and then he gets those classic zoomies we love to watch! Come see him in person this Spring Break!"
Fun Facts about Blue Duikers
Blue Duikers are found in Central and West Africa. These small antelope are most active from dawn to dusk when they forage for fruit and plant material to eat. These little guys are about the size of an average house cat!
The website for the Maryland Zoo explains, "Females give birth once a year on average to a single offspring. Calves can run within hours of birth but do not roam freely for at least the first several weeks of life. Initially, they stay hidden in the underbrush and wait for their mothers to come nurse them. Within a few weeks they join their mothers. They are weaned by 3 months of age and reach full size at about 6 months. Without too much prompting from their parents, calves will leave their home territories between the ages of 1 and 2 years, upon reaching sexual maturity."
If you would like to see little Bisque or mama Kadidi in person, you can find information for the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Garden at their website here.
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