New Arrival Shocks Wildlife Experts
The unexpected arrival of a Sitatunga - more commonly known as an African Antelope - at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park has come as an agreeable surprise both to officials and the delighted visitors watching avidly when the birth took place.
The calf's mother, aged sixteen, was thought to be past breeding age and thrilled managers of the park, who say the arrival brings fresh hope to the threatened species.
The park's director, Cheryl Williams, said: "The birth of another Sitatunga antelope is a great blessing. With the continued threat to the species becoming ever more apparent we are pleased to be here to support the Sitatunga antelopes' continued existence and their way of life."
The birth of the calf brings the park's resident Sitatunga antelope number to three, including its mother, who lives in the wetlands where the threatened species has its own designated area.
Africa's only true amphibious antelope, the Sitatunga is one of many species considered to be facing a dire future in the wild if they do not receive help. It is distinguished by its spiral horns and long, splayed hooves, adapted for walking through muddy, vegetated swamplands.
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