Endangered gazelle born at National Zoo

November 17, 2008 - 8:52pm

The Smithsonian's National Zoo welcomed a new baby dama gazelle to their collection on November 2, 2008. (Photo Courtesy of the National Zoo)

WASHINGTON - The National Zoo announced Sunday that a new baby dama gazelle was born two weeks ago.

The calf, which is part of an endangered species, raises the number to 10 dama gazelles the zoo is raising and studying.

"This is an exciting time here at the zoo," said Tony Barthel, curator for the animals, in a press release. "The calf is healthy, very active, and thriving in her new environment. We hope to have her on exhibit in the weeks to come."

It is estimated that fewer than 500 dama gazelles remain in the wild and are under constant threat due to hunting and poaching in Africa.

The zoo is trying to raise the gazelles with the hope that they will be able to reintroduce the species back into its natural habitat. In order to do so, The National Zoo is working with a group of organizations to establish a protected area twice the size of West Virginia in Niger that can conserve endangered animals like the gazelles.

WASHINGTON - The National Zoo announced Sunday that a new baby dama gazelle was born two weeks ago.

The calf, which is part of an endangered species, raises the number to 10 dama gazelles the zoo is raising and studying.

It is estimated that fewer than 500 dama gazelles remain in the wild and are under constant threat due to hunting and poaching in Africa.

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