PHOTOS: Three-Year-Old Antelope Gives Birth at Brevard Zoo

Brevard Zoo welcomed a new face on Monday, April 15 when three-year-old klipspringer Deborah gave birth to a calf named Clarice. A neonatal exam revealed that the new arrival (who weighed less than two pounds at birth) is a female and is properly nursing from her mother.

“This adorable little girl is doing wonderfully,” said Michelle Smurl, the Zoo’s director of animal programs, “Deborah is taking great care of her, grooming her often.”

The newborn, who was sired by four-year-old Ajabu, is currently behind the scenes with her mother and will be introduced to Ajabu before transitioning into the public-facing habitat in Expedition Africa.

After a gestation period of six to seven months, klipspringer typically give birth to one offspring. They are sexually mature at one year and can live up to 18 years in human care. With specialized hooves each roughly the diameter of a dime as an adult, the klipspringer is a skilled climber; it is typically found around mountains, hills and rocky outcrops in its native Africa.

The klipspringer does not face any major threats, but it is sometimes hunted for use as meat or leather.

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