Sitatunga calf born at Marwell Zoo takes its first steps

The little sitatunga calf, who was born last Wednesday morning, was on its feet and bonding with mother Violet and father Tumnus before Marwell Zoo opened its door to guests.

Violet gave birth to her baby in the main sitatunga paddock and a short while later she made her first wobbly steps.

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Adam Ford, Senior Animal Keeper, said: “A very proud moment for the giraffe team and Marwell, after a seven-month gestation both violet and the calf seem to be doing well but It is still early days.

“As the mum, Violet has had a calf previously and we have no doubt that she is going to be amazing.

Sitatunga calf has been born at Marwell Zoo. (Image: Marwell Zoo.)

“Keepers reported seeing Tumnus also grooming the calf something that is not to uncommon but still nice to see that dad is also doing his duties and being attentive.

“It’s natural for the mum to leave the calf in long grass and keep returning throughout the day, so If you see the calf on its own it is perfectly natural.”

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Female sitatunga are smaller than their male counterparts with chestnut-coloured coats.

Males start life the same chestnut colour as females but develop darker fur and spiralled horns that point backward as they grow older.

Their horns make it easier for them to navigate through dense vegetation which is important in the wild as they live in densely vegetated African swamps.

Guests might have to look carefully to see the new calf because these illusive creatures can be hard to find, blending into their surroundings.

Populations of sitatunga are decreasing in the wild although the species is listed as being of Least Concern on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species.

Conservation charity Marwell Wildlife owns and operates the zoo as well as managing conservation projects around the world.