Utica Zoo Welcomes New Baby Animal

Utica, NY (WIBX) - The Utica Zoo welcomed a new four-legged addition to its family today.

The baby blackbuck was born on October 4. Unbeknownst to the staff, when The Utica Zoo welcomed two female blackbucks in April, one of them was pregnant.

Blackbucks are one of the fastest land animals, reaching speeds of up to 50 miles per hour. They are endangered in Nepal, and threatened in India, due to overhunting and habitat loss.

2011 has been a busy year for babies at the Utica Zoo, including the introduction of Donovan the African Lion cub. The group has also welcomed baby yak, goats, sheep and peacock throughout the year.

The zoo offers naming and Zoo Parent opportunities, along with Exhibit Sponsorship programs. For more information on these programs, visit UticaZoo.org or call (315) 738-0472, Ext. 38.