Erfurt (dpa/th) - The Erfurt Zoo is happy about double offspring. The sable antelope Thabo was born at the end of October and the zebra foal Kibeti followed at the beginning of November, as the Erfurt zoo announced on Wednesday. Both cubs have already passed their first health check. "Both drink well and look fit," reported veterinarian Kay Schwecht.
While the zebra filly can already be observed in the outdoor area, the little antelope buck is still in the stable, it was said. Four-year-old mother Kimesh and three-year-old father Chombah took loving care of the little antelope buck. It is said to be their first offspring together. Sable antelopes carry their young for 270 days, while zebras carry their young almost two months longer. The female foal is the sixth offspring of broodmare Maleika and stallion Johann.
Most recently, the Erfurt Zoo made headlines because of several deaths. So far this year, five wild animals have died - for partly inexplicable reasons. In addition to two cheetahs, a lioness and a small rhino bull and a rhino cow were lost. The animal rights organization PETA then called for an independent investigation into the lion and cheetah keeping in Erfurt and a possible closure of the zoo.
