Female Klipspringer Calf Born at Lincoln Park Zoo [VIDEO]

Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago celebrated the arrival of a healthy klipspringer, the first new birth of the year at the zoo.

The female klipspringer calf was born on March 30^th to Dash (sire) and Triumph (dam). The unnamed calf is the second offspring of the duo. The two were mated under the Klipspringer Species Survival Program (SSP). It was introduced to the new environment of the zoo in the company of her sister Arya.

 "The klipspringer calf is healthy and eating well and, as a result, has almost doubled her weight since birth," said Curator of Mammals, Mark Kamhout. "Currently, the calf is being hand-reared by our animal care staff after the mother was unable to provide adequate care."

There are several factors taken into consideration like medical condition, maternal care and proper habitat, before an animal is hand reared by the staff, according to Kamhout.

 "The calf will continue to receive around-the-clock care behind-the-scenes until she is able to fully navigate the vertical elements of her new habitat in Regenstein African Journey," said Kamhout.

The dwarf antelopes called klipspringers are mainly found in central and eastern Africa. On an average they reach 24 pounds. The small klipspringers mark their territory using the scent glands on their faces and use their horns to battle for their mate.

The calf is eating well and is having a normal healthy growth. Though this new arrival is kept off exhibit, curious zoo guests can glimpse the klipspringer calf at the zoo from 10 in the morning to 5 in the evening.