Kirk-Dikdik youngsters in the Schönbrunn Tiergarten: a rare success!

Kirk-Dikdik youngsters in the Schönbrunn Tiergarten: a rare success!

Tiergarten Schönbrunn, 1130 Wien, Österreich - In the Vienna Tiergarten Schönbrunn, a joyful event took place: shortly before Christmas, the first chick of the rare Kirk-Dikdiks was born. These tiny antelopes, which are among the smallest of their kind in Africa, are only about the size of a brown hare. The birth of the female young animal was cheered, because since the Kirk dikdiks moved in 2014, the zoo had been waiting for this day. The zoo director, Dr. Stephan Hering-Hagenbeck emphasizes the peculiarities of these animals, the characteristic snouts of which often remains hidden in the hay and which are well protected from predators due to their excellent sense, such as DiePresse.com reported.

The importance of youngsters

The breeding of Kirk-Dikdiks in the Schönbrunn zoo was a lengthy affair. Suitable breeding animals have been put together for years, because reproduction also depends on the "chemistry" between the animals. Zoological curator Dr. Folko Balfanz explains: "The fact that females and males are kept together does not automatically mean that they also reproduce." The sweet young animal is not only a stroke of luck for the zoo, but also an important contribution to the European conservation breeding program of this kind. In addition, the zoo hopes for support from sponsors for the Kirk dikdiks, whereby animal sponsorships are already possible from five euros per month, such as Today.

The Kirk dikdiks are characterized by their brownish fur, which can camouflage them perfectly in the high grass. Her alarm calls, which sound like a high-frequency "DSIK-DSIK", reveal their presence when they smell possible dangers. Despite their small stature, they can achieve impressive flight speeds, which is essential in the wilderness.