(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — The Brookfield Zoo celebrated another African antelope birth last week: a 15-pound male addax calf.
This calf marks the third addax to be born at the zoo in a little over a year. Brookfield Zoo officials said the species is at “serious risk” of becoming extinct in the wild, with some estimating that less than 100 African antelope remain.
Officials said two of the biggest threats to the species are uncontrolled hunting and disturbance to its habitat caused by oil exploration.
The Brookfield Zoo became the first in the United States to have an addax birth in 1941. Since then, the zoo has welcomed over 140 African antelope into the world.
This most recent calf was the first born to Ivy, who’s nearly 4 years old. It was the fifth calf sired by Ishnala, 9.
Zoo officials said the addax is known for its spiraling horns, which range from 2.5 – 3.5 feet in length.
Those who visit Brookfield Zoo in the coming weeks might see the calf laying down. If it isn't visible, it's probably inside. Officials said an addax calf will nurse from its mother for about 23 – 39 weeks.
Here's one more photo, because there could never be too many shots of this little guy.
Related
Related
Listen to our new podcast Looped In: Chicago
Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram