BABY BOOM AT THE ZOO: Four Impala Calves Born at Brevard Zoo Over Last Few Weeks
By Space Coast Daily // July 11, 2022
The calves weighed between 10-15 pounds each
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Brevard Zoo’s herd of impala are having their own baby boom.
Four impala calves were born over the last few weeks.
Impalas Holly, Kiswa and Dodge gave birth to male calves, while Jamii had a female calf. The sire for all these new calves is 3-year-old B Guy, who came to our Zoo in 2020 as recommended by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan (SSP) for impala. SSPs manage the populations of animals within AZA-accredited zoos to ensure healthy, genetically diverse groups.
B Guy is the father of last year’s calves, Lucy and Rainbow, as well.
Impalas are typically pregnant for 5 to 6 months. The calves weighed between 10-15 pounds each and are all successfully nursing from their moms, which they’ll continue doing for another 4 to 6 months.
All the mothers and calves are now back with their herd on the giraffe veldt. Impala mothers tend to bring their calves back to the herd a few days after birth if there are several calves around.
These nursery groups tend to be safer because predators have more difficulty selecting an individual.
If you’re looking for the calves, take a peek in the center area of the Veldt full of brush and trees.
