Rare North African fawn born at zoo
THE Darling Downs Zoo welcomed the latest addition to its menagerie of endangered species, with the birth of a baby addax.
Zoo director Stephanie Robinson said the fawn and her mum were well.
“Mum is doing her job and being very protective,” she said.
“They will be separated from the herd for the first week but once the bub is up and running around, we will put her on display.”
Addax are a critically endangered species of antelope, known for their long spiralled horns. For thousands of years they roamed North Africa and through the Sahara Desert, however, drought, human encroachment on their breeding grounds, over hunting and vehicle strikes have seen their numbers collapse.
“They are very rare animals,” Ms Robinson said.
A recent survey of their grazing lands failed to locate any animals.
“We think they might be extinct in the wild,” Ms Robinson said.
“The risk is quite high that we might have lost them but there are some countries working on breed-to-release programs.
“Zoos like ours exist to provide safe havens for species such as this. We are just waiting for the government to amend the law so that we can import a new bloodline from the USA.”
The latest fawn is the fourth to born at the zoo and the herd is thriving despite the drought.
“Because they are desert animals and do not require large amounts of feed. We do not have to buy them topgrade hay, like we do for the others,” Ms Robinson said.
“They actually suit our country. Like other desert animals their hoofs are splayed, so they do not damage the ground.”
As for a name for the fawn Mr Robinson said the team was still deciding.
The new addax should be on display within a fortnight.
michael.nolan@thechronicle.com.au