BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo is celebrating a very special arrival—its first dama gazelle calf! The little male was born on Saturday, August 16, around noon, marking a major milestone for the Zoo’s animal care team.
The calf’s parents, a male and female dama gazelle, came to the Zoo in December 2024 in the same transport as the Zoo’s oryx. At the time of their arrival, staff estimated the female to be about one year old and the male around two years old, based on the maturity ranges typical for the species. Toward the end of her quarantine period, the female was bred, resulting in the pregnancy. Dama gazelles have a gestation period of six to six-and-a-half months, making this birth right on schedule.
Dama gazelles (Nanger dama) are among the rarest antelopes in the world. Sadly, only a few hundred remain in the wild due to habitat loss, hunting, and human disturbance. “The dama gazelle is one of the most endangered antelope species in the world,” says Zoo Director Jim Fleshman. “Having this species at Baton Rouge Zoo allows us to share their story with our community, raise awareness of the threats they face, and inspire visitors to join us in protecting wildlife for future generations.”
Through collaborative breeding and conservation programs, Baton Rouge Zoo plays an important role in protecting endangered animals like the dama gazelle. The arrival of this calf is both a joyful event and a reminder of the Zoo’s mission to care for wildlife and inspire conservation.
Families can now spot the mother and her calf in the Africa section of the Zoo. For the time being, the baby often hides in tall grass, but as he grows stronger, visitors can look forward to watching him explore alongside the herd. For more information, visit brzoo.org.
