News Release
 
Contact: Sondra Katzen, Public Relations, 708.688.8351, sondra.katzen@czs.org           
                                                             
July 5, 2018
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
 
Chicago Zoological Society Announces Birth of Small Antelope at Brookfield Zoo

Images:

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Baby Dik-Dik-4848 and -4874: A Kirk’s dik-dik is being handreared at Brookfield Zoo. The small antelope, which is native to Africa, was born on June 4, weighing about 1.5 pounds. When full grown, the calf will weigh 12 to 14 pounds and measure 14 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder. (credit: Jim Schulz/Chicago Zoological Society)
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Baby Dik-Dik-8661 and -8669: A Kirk’s dik-dik, one of the smallest antelope species in the world, was born at Brookfield Zoo. The male calf weighed about 1.5 pounds at birth. (credit: Jim Schulz/Chicago Zoological Society)

Brookfield, Ill. – Today, the Chicago Zoological Society, which manages Brookfield Zoo, is announcing the birth of a Kirk’s dik-dik, one of the world’s smallest antelope species. The male dik-dik was born on June 4, weighing about 1.5 pounds.

Based on the recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Kirk’s dik-dik Species Survival Plan, the calf is being handreared by animal care staff. Currently, the calf is given a milk bottle four to five times a day as well as chopped hay. He will soon be introduced to new diet items such as grain and produce. The month-old calf has access to an outdoor habitat prior to the zoo opening. However, guests can see an adult pair during regular zoo hours. Once full grown he will weigh approximately 12 to 14 pounds and measure 14 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder.

These small antelopes vary in color depending on their habitat. They can be identified best by their large, striking, dark eyes that are each surrounded by a white ring. Interestingly, over time, dik-diks have developed a self-cooling mechanism within their snouts that keeps them from overheating in extreme temperatures. This system also helps minimize their need for water. Yet, dik-diks in the wild are mostly nocturnal to avoid the heat of day and prevent unnecessary water loss.

Dik-diks are herbivorous mammals that primarily eat foliage, shoots and berries, which is where they consume their water. They can live in both dense forests and open plains and are found throughout Africa, particularly in the Kenyan, Namibian, Tanzanian, South African, Kazungula, Kilimanjaro regions.

Currently, there are 33 dik-dik antelopes in 15 accredited North American zoos.

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About the Chicago Zoological Society:
The mission of the Chicago Zoological Society is to inspire conservation leadership by connecting people with wildlife and nature. The Chicago Zoological Society is a private nonprofit organization that operates Brookfield Zoo on land owned by the Forest Preserves of Cook County. The Society is known throughout the world for its international role in animal population management and wildlife conservation. Its Center for the Science of Animal Care and Welfare is at the forefront of animal care that strives to discover and implement innovative approaches to zoo animal management. Brookfield Zoo is the first zoo in the world to be awarded the Humane Certified™ certification mark for the care and welfare of its animals, meeting American Humane Association’s rigorous certification standards. Open every day of the year, the zoo is located at 8400 31^st Street in Brookfield, Illinois, between the Stevenson (I-55) and Eisenhower (I-290) expressways and is also accessible via the Tri-State Tollway (I-294), Metra commuter line, CTA and PACE bus service. For further information, visit CZS.org.