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On Wednesday, November 27th, after an approximately 9-month pregnancy, Zoo Miami received a special pre-Thanksgiving gift when a rare Giant Eland was born. The male calf weighed 65 pounds and was the 2nd calf for the 5-year-old mother named “Maria.” It was the 5th calf sired by the 8-year-old father named, “Nomad.” This is the 17th Giant Eland born at Zoo Miami! This morning, the newborn had its neonatal exam that consisted of getting weighed, an overall general physical, and blood collection as well as getting microchipped. Initial indications are that he is healthy and doing well. Baby and mother are back together and have access to their habitat with the rest of the herd. Mom will usually keep the newborn tucked in a discreet location for the first day or so until the calf has adjusted well and will then be seen more often standing with the herd.
Giant Eland are the world’s largest antelope with males often weighing over 2,000 pounds. Females are a bit smaller. They are found in small areas of the savannahs and woodlands of Central Africa and are listed as vulnerable with the major threats being habitat destruction and hunting for their meat. They are tan to gray with thin white stripes on their flanks and are distinguished by large spiraling horns that are found in both sexes but are larger and thicker in the males.
Zoo Miami is the only accredited zoo in the United States to exhibit these spectacular animals. There are presently two other females that are due to give birth at any time.
