Chester Zoo has proudly announced the arrival of a tiny new antelope named Dotty. This remarkable newborn, one of the world’s smallest baby antelopes, is barely taller than a tin of baked beans. Her journey began when she was born on April 2, 2024.
Dotty’s Unique Care
Following the passing of her biological father due to old age shortly before her birth, Dotty is being raised by a new male dik-dik named Dan. Dan joined the zoo from a facility in Cumbria earlier this year and now serves as a surrogate father figure for Dotty.
Megan Carpenter, Assistant Team Manager of Small Mammals at Chester Zoo, explained that dik-diks are naturally shy animals. For the initial weeks of her life, Dotty was kept in a quiet, cozy den. This allowed her mother to safely check on her and provide nourishment. Recently, Dotty has started venturing outside and taking her first steps into the world.
Dik-Diks: A Unique Species
Dik-diks, native to the scrublands and mountainous regions of Kenya, Tanzania, and Namibia, are known for their distinctive alarm call. Upon sensing danger, they emit a high-pitched sound before darting for cover. One of their unique adaptations is their elongated noses, which they use to reach leaves directly from branches.
Their territorial behavior also includes using scent glands located beneath their eyes and between their toes. Dotty’s new habitat at Chester Zoo underscores the zoo’s commitment to animal welfare and conservation.
Chester Zoo: A Leader in Conservation
Chester Zoo, founded by the Mottershead family in 1931, has grown significantly over the years. As one of England’s most popular attractions outside London, it welcomed nearly 1.95 million visitors in 2024. Currently, the zoo boasts over 165,000 members and has been recognized as the best zoo in the UK on TripAdvisor.
The zoo spans 128 acres and is home to more than 37,000 animals representing over 500 species. Chester Zoo is also actively involved in 139 international conservation breeding programs, collaborating with 62 conservation partners across 19 countries.
Recent Developments
The zoo recently inaugurated the Heart of Africa zone, the largest habitat created in a UK zoo. Stretching over 22.5 acres, this area is designed to mimic various grassland habitats found throughout central Africa and is home to 57 iconic African species.
- Founded: June 10, 1931
- Visitors in 2024: 1,947,544
- Zoo Size: 128 acres
- Species Count: Over 500
- Animal Count: 37,000+
As Chester Zoo continues its mission of global conservation, every visitor contributes to the efforts of protecting wildlife and their habitats worldwide.
