On 21st May 2024, our Animal Care Team were delighted to discover that female Kirk’s dik-dik, Pumpkin, had given birth to a healthy male calf.
This newest arrival is Pumpkin’s fifth offspring. Pumpkin was born at Edinburgh Zoo on 31st October (hence the name!) and in August 2021, was transferred to Colchester Zoo upon a breeding recommendation for the species. Dad, Demetri, arrived from Antwerp Zoo in September 2016 and has since sired a total of 16 calves – the newest arrival being his 17th!
Pumpkin is an experienced mother and both her and the little calf are doing well. Although you may be lucky to spot our newest arrival out into the paddock, Pumpkin and the calf will remain indoors for the majority of their time, in an off-show area as the little one grows healthier and stronger. They will then join the rest of their family, in their main habitat at Edge of Africa.
The Kirk’s dik-dik is one of the smallest members of the antelope family, typically only weighing up to 7kg. They often form monogamous mating pairs and can have two babies each year. Their name comes from the distinctive ‘dik-dik’ call they make when startled, which helps to confuse predators. They can also run up to 26mph in a zig-zag pattern to out run any dangers.
The Kirk’s dik-dik is currently classed as ‘Least Concern’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species so this new arrival is great news for the conservation of this species.
UPDATE (18TH JUNE 2024):
Thank you to everyone who casted their vote to help us name our Kirk’s dik-dik calf! We are delighted to announce our new arrival, who turns 4 weeks old today, has been named Squash!
