Hide the Barry White music: Baby boom going on at El Paso Zoo

There’s a baby boom going on at the El Paso Zoo with four healthy new additions born over the last month.

Three Thomson’s gazelles and one greater kudu were born at the zoo between Jan. 20 and Feb. 8.

They are currently behind the scenes bonding with their herds. View photos in the slide show under Related Content to the left of this article.

“We’re excited to welcome these new little guys into the gazelle and kudu herd. We’re monitoring their development as they become more steady on their wobbly little legs and as soon as they can navigate their big exhibit, they’ll be out for the community to come meet them,” said Dee Nelson, El Paso Zoo Collections Supervisor.

One baby gazelle born at the zoo earlier this year died shortly after birth. The three other gazelles and kudu are doing well.

“We’re happy to have so many babies that are doing well but we’re saddened to have lost one. She was having issues from the start nursing from mom and although we attempted to hand rear, she did not respond to the bottle or to medical support. Not every birth goes perfectly and we’re happy to have had so many that are doing well. We’re having a great time watching them thrive in their herd,” Dr. Victoria Milne, El Paso Zoo Veterinarian.

Ibu the orangutan is pregnant and is expected to deliver her first baby in May. Learn more about the challenges with Ibu at http://bit.ly/1D6lpwM

More on Thomson’s gazelles

Gestation for Thomson’s gazelles is about six months while gestation for greater kudu is about nine months. These moms separate themselves from the herd just before giving birth and will usually give birth to one baby and hide them in the plains grasses. These babies typically spend their first days hidden and motionless in the grass. After the baby has matured slightly, the mother will return with her baby to the herd.

As with all gazelle and antelope births, the babies are initially left to bond with their moms for several hours or overnight before brief initial examinations are conducted to make sure babies are healthy and nursing. The babies are immediately placed back with mom and their herd after their exams. In order to provide a natural upbringing, Zoo staff interferes as little as possible unless they see imminent danger.