LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Louisville Zoo is welcoming another baby during what has become a summer baby boom, a press release from the zoo says.
A female addax was born between 1 and 2 a.m. on Friday. Her parents are 6-year-old Ressie and Winfield.
"Both mom and calf are doing well and are currently off exhibit as they continue to bond. The calf’s name will be announced in the coming weeks," the release said.
The Zoo has had a successful breeding program with addax which are experiencing critical challenges in the vanishing wild.
In 2016, field researchers estimated less than 100 individual addax remain in the wild.
They are found in arid regions of Africa, within pockets of the Sahara Dessert.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species categorizes the addax as critically endangered. Their main challenges include drought, hunting and expansion of pastureland.
“It is important to note these births are all recommended and carefully planned via the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP). Aimed at maintaining the genetic diversity of managed animal populations in human care, the SSP contributes to the conservation of various species,” Louisville Zoo Director Dan Maloney said.
Including this recent birth, a total of 61 addax call the Louisville Zoo home.
The last calf born at the Zoo was Jira in 2020.
Addax have been a part of the Louisville Zoo since it opened in 1969 and with this birth the Zoo is averaging more than an addax birth a year for this critically endangered species.
The Zoo is open daily year-round. Hours through Sept. 22 are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (guests can stay until 6 p.m.).
