A PRECIOUS antelope has become a first time mum after giving birth at Colchester Zoo.
Zoo bosses announced Pumpkin, a Kirk’s dik-dik, gave birth to her adorable calf on April 20.
They added both mum and calf are doing well, with the youngster growing stronger day-by-day.
Kirk’s dik-diks are among the smallest members of the antelope family, measuring a maximum of 45cm high at the shoulder with a maximum body length of just 80cm.
A zoo spokesman said: “We are delighted to report shortly after birth the calf was standing well on its feet and attempted to feed from Pumpkin almost instantly.
“Pumpkin has taken well to her new role as a parent and is being very attentive to her calf who is yet to be sexed and named.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here