Como Zoo & Conservatory Celebrates The Birth Of A Baby Lesser Kudu

On the last day of June, the staff at Como Zoo couldn’t be any more grateful to welcome a charming addition to their big family – a female lesser kudu whose name has yet to be revealed. We are always happy to hear about the birth of any newborn animal in any zoo, but this little cutie is truly a blessing to this world. She is just too adorable for words!

Image source: Susannah Baudhuin | Como Friends

According to Como Zoo, this baby kudu comes as a part of the Species Survival Plan Program – an international population management and conservation program that is aimed at maintaining captive populations of at-risk, endangered and critically endangered species.

“The birth is the result of a recommendation from the Lesser Kudu Species Survival Plan (SSP), coordinated by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA),” the zoo announced on its website. “SSPs provide breeding recommendations to maximize genetic diversity, with the goal of ensuring the long-term survival of the AZA population and the health of individual animals. Como Zoo is an accredited institution of the AZA.”

Image source: Susannah Baudhuin | Como Friends

Sired by father Bond (7 years old) and mother Fjorda (5 years old), this lovely calf resembles her mother with large ears, big eyes, and a gorgeous reddish-brown coat that is adorned by white stripes running down her back. She’s the third baby of Fjorda and is currently spending time bonding with her mother before making her public debut when she’s strong enough after several weeks.

Image source: Susannah Baudhuin | Como Friends

Located in Minnesota, the Como Park Zoo and Marjorie McNeely Conservatory is one of the very last free zoos in the US and home to a wide array of animals and plants, so there’s no doubt that the little kudu and her mother Fjorda is receiving the best care there. Only a week after coming to this world, the little girl already stands about 3 ft (0.9 m) tall and weighs about 14 lbs (1.8 kg).

 

“The calf was standing and nursing when the Zookeeper arrived in the morning. She has long legs, big ears, and is fiercely cute,” said Senior Zookeeper Andrew Nerness. “Fjorda is taking great care of her and has already proven to be a great mom.”

Image source: Susannah Baudhuin | Como Friends

Many people even insist that she looks a lot like the sweet, caring Clarice from “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”, what do you think?

Image source: Susannah Baudhuin | Como Friends

The lesser kudu (Tragelaphus imberbis) is a striking forest antelope found in East Africa and is now facing a decreasing trend in populations. Presently, the IUCN has rated this species as “near threatened”.

Please share this delightful news with your loved ones!