The technical team at BIOPARC Valencia witnessed the wonderful moment of the birth of a blesbok, an African antelope that was on the brink of extinction just two centuries ago. Following the uneventful and entirely natural birth, the calf's development has been confirmed to be progressing well in the initial stages of its rearing, marking another success for the park in its international conservation program for this species.
The arrival of a new life is always one of the most special moments at BIOPARC Valencia. On this occasion, the birth of a blesbok It has once again reflected nature's extraordinary ability to find its way and move us. excellent news for this unique species of African antelope that It was on the verge of extinction just two centuries ago and whose recovery is today one of the most hopeful examples of wildlife conservation.
Video: This is how a blesbok was born
The highly anticipated event could be followed "live" by the technical team who confirmed a calm and completely natural birthThe initial moments of the cub with its mother allowed observe that endearing bond of the animal worldAs is typical in this species, it showed remarkable vitality from the beginning, remaining under the watchful protection of its mother and beginning to take its first steps shortly after birth.
The blesbok, an African antelope
The blesbok (Damaliscus pygargus phillipsiThe guanaco is an elegant antelope native to the grasslands of southern Africa. Its appearance is easily recognizable by the characteristic white stripe that runs across its face and contrasts with the brown tones of its coat. Currently, BIOPARC Valencia is home to the largest group of blesbok in Spain, made up of three males and six females that live in the multi-species enclosure that recreates the great savanna, living alongside giraffes, impalas, waterbucks, Thomson's gazelles and exotic birds such as ostrich, African marabou stork or sacred ibis.
If everything continues to progress favorably, in the next few days the little one (it has been confirmed that it is a male) It will be able to fully integrate with its peers and other species of this characteristic recreation of life on the savanna. It will be easy to identify it by the cream color of its fur, much lighter than that of the adults. Little by little it will begin to explore the habitat with greater confidence, observing and imitating the behavior of his “brothers”, under the supervision of her mother, who will continue to provide her with essential care during this important stage of growth.
Another success in the conservation program
Beyond the joy of this birth, This new offspring has significant conservation value.It implies A new success for BIOPARC Valencia in the international blesbok preservation programIn the 19th century, indiscriminate hunting drastically reduced their populations. Thanks to protection measures developed over decades, the species managed to recover and, according to the latest studies, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)According to the Red List, its current population is estimated at between 55.000 and 70.000 specimens, with a stable trend.
