Baton Rouge Zoo adds to its antelope family

Recently, BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo welcomed a new male Nile Lechwe.

Native to the floodplains of the Nile River Valley in Sudan and Ethiopia, this species of waterbuck has longer hooves than most other antelope. Since its habitat floods regularly, these distinctive hooves allow the animals to walk or run in swampy conditions and even swim in deep water.

Despite their ability to adapt to their environment, the Lechwe population in the wild has declined approximately 50 % from an increased competition for food due to cattle farming and hunting. Now, the species is considered endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources Red List.

Consequently, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums has added the Lechwe to its Species Survival Plan (SSP).

“The goal of the SSP is to maintain a healthy population among endangered animals that is both genetically diverse and demographically stable,” Sam Winslow, the zoo’s general curator, says. “That’s exactly what we’ve been able to do with our Nile Lechwe. We’ve been extremely pleased with the success we’ve found in breeding our Nile Lechwe as part of the greater SSP.”

Baton Rouge Zoo currently has six Lechwe among its collection of six species of antelope.

The new baby Lechwe is now on exhibit along with its mother during regular zoo hours. However, visitors might have trouble getting a glimpse of new addition to the antelope family.

While they weigh about 13 or 14 pounds at birth and grow to be 250 pounds, the calves stay hidden in the brush for two to three weeks before joining the herd.

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Avery and her siblings were born to a barn cat. A rescuer brought the bunch to Cat Haven to find homes. This pretty brown-and-white tabby loves other cats and people.

Grady‘s mom was adopted by a family, who were told the kitty was spayed. A few weeks later, their new pet had a litter of kittens. Fortunately, Cat Haven was able to help. This beautiful Russian blue is a sweet kitty who does well with cats and kids.

When he was a young kitty, Frisco was lucky to be befriended by a very nice man. Every day, the gentleman went for a walk, and Frisco came out to greet him. Over time, the man realized Frisco had been abandoned. Although the man took the kitty home and provided vet care, he was ultimately unable to keep the buff boy. So, the man brought Frisco to Cat Haven. Frisco is very affectionate toward people. After a few days of adjustment, he also does well with other cats.

Chloe was adopted from Cat Haven as a young kitten and returned because of issues with her adoptive family. This longhaired torti is a very sweet and loving cat, who sometimes has a bit of an attitude. She is great company for an adult adopter because she likes to sits quietly and be petted. However, she is best suited to a home without children or other pets.

Wally is a very sweet, playful declawed kitty. While he’s not much of a lap cat, this beautiful Siamese mix is a very loving, devoted pet. Even at age six, he’s playful and loves to fetch. Wally has never been around children; but, he would probably do well with the proper introduction. He gets along well with other kitties and dogs.

Allie became lost or abandoned and found a nice family’s home. Unfortunately, due to allergies, they couldn’t give her the indoor home she deserves. This longhaired calico very laid back and loves to snuggle. She also gets along fine with children of all ages as well as other cats and mellow dogs.

These pets have all been vaccinated, spayed/neutered and FeLeuk/FIV tested. Many other adoptable cats and kittens are available at Cat Haven. Call the shelter to make an appointment at 636-2680.