Two beautiful Natal red duiker pups born in five days are the latest great joy for the Valencian animal park, a world leader in the preservation of this exceptional antelope, which can only be seen in a dozen European zoos and, in Spain, at BIOPARC. This double birth, consisting of a male and two females, is a new success within the international program seeking to ensure the survival of this species included on the IUCN Red List.
This summer is filling every corner of BIOPARC Valencia with tenderness with the numerous births that are being produced and that, in addition, have great value for the conservation community, since they represent a success in international programs for the preservation of these species.
The protection of biodiversity is the top priority and again it is worth remembering the efforts of institutions such as the Valencian park to prevent extinction by hosting scientifically controlled breeding groupsIn the face of continued environmental deterioration, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which compiles the Red List, called for these actions to establish reserve populations as a priority.
Video: 2 Natal red duiker calves (Cephalophus natalensis) are born in BIOPARC Valencia.
In Spain, the Natal red duiker can only be seen at BIOPARC Valencia.
On this occasion it was the area that recreates the jungle that was filled with life and the joy has been double because the two females, Akiara, 10 years old, and her daughter Luna, who was born at BIOPARC 4 years ago, have given birth to two beautiful Natal red duikers (Cephalophus natalensis).
This group little-known African antelope It is completed with the young male, Fito, aged 3. In this way, BIOPARC is the most important institution worldwide in the conservation of this species. which are only housed in 10 zoos in Europe and can only be seen in Spain in the Valencian park.
El animal care equipment is applying a special protocol to ensure the well-being of offspring born just five days apartWhile Akiara is an experienced mother and her upbringing is proceeding optimally, young Luna is not producing enough milk, so it is necessary supplement with bottles to ensure proper nutrition of her offspring, which would be the second generation born at BIOPARC. Both duikers are male and have already reached 1 kg in weight and, for the time being, remain in the indoor facility.
The duikers, in the BIOPARC Valencia jungle in a multispecies habitat.
El Natal red duiker It is smaller than other duikers, with a height of about 43-46 cm and a weight of about 11-14 kg. At BIOPARC Valencia they can be seen in a characteristic multi-species enclosure that they share with the Eastern Bongo (Tragelaphus eurycerus isaaci) which is in extreme danger of extinction, Kirk's Dik-dik (Madoqua kirkii) and black-crowned cranes (Balearica pavonina).
