BALTIMORE, MD – Maryland Zoo is pleased to announce the birth of a lesser kudu (Tragelaphus imberbis) named Mandazi (MAN-dah-zee) after a type of fried bread that is a staple of Swahili cuisine.
The male calf was born on July 1st and is the offspring of Zahi, a two and a half year-old male, and Meringue, an eleven and a half year-old female. The parents were recommended to breed as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan.
“We’ve had lesser kudu at the Zoo for many years and are excited to welcome Mandazi to the herd,” said Erin Cantwell Grimm, Mammal Curator at the Maryland Zoo.
Kudus are one of eight species of African spiral-horned antelope and are listed as “near threatened” as a result of hunting and human disruption of their habitat.
In the wild, they are found in the northern woodlands of east Africa. Closer to home, you can find them on Maryland Zoo’s African Journey Boardwalk.
For now, Mandazi is bonding with its mother behind the scenes but could be visible to the public as early as next week.
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