Dallas Zoo, renowned for its diverse wildlife, recently announced an exciting new addition and a noteworthy anniversary.
“From the tiniest newborns to the oldest of animals, we’re devoted to the well-being of our animals throughout their entire lives. And we have two very special reasons to celebrate today!” officials wrote on the Dallas Zoo’s Facebook page.
Mitzi, a newborn female klipspringer, became the first new calf to be born at Dallas Zoo in 23 years on May 15. Alongside this joyous event, the zoo celebrated a special birthday for Saba, its eldest klipspringer, who turned 24.
While both Mitzi and Saba are not on display, zoo officials assured the public that “dedicated zoologists provide them with exceptional care, ensuring they are happy and healthy!”
Klipspringers are small antelopes indigenous to the rocky terrain of eastern and southern Africa. Their fur can be yellowish-gray or reddish-brown, making it easier for them to blend into their environment and hide from predators.
They have blunt hooves that make them deft at climbing rocks. Their graceful agility has led to them being called ballet dancers “in antelope form” by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), according to NBC 5 DFW.
These herbivores tend to live in small herds in the wild and mate for life.
Mitzi’s parents are Dallas Zoo klipspringers Clarice and Rudi. Single births are common for this species.
Mitzi will be quite dependent on her parents for her first year of life.
Males are known to be very protective of their offspring and females need to provide their calves milk until they are weaned at about 5 months old, according to Animalia.
Saba’s 24th birthday is a significant milestone since klipspringers tend to live only until the age of 17 in the wild. He is the second-oldest klipspringer across all AZA facilities.
Even though Saba and Mitzi cannot be viewed at this time, those wishing to visit the other 2,000 animals living at the Dallas Zoo can go during the next Dollar Day for a reduced fare.
As previously reported in The Dallas Express, the zoo will be offering admission on August 8 for just one dollar. Tickets must be purchased online.