Delhi zoo welcomes new kids on the block

New Delhi: As part of its successful breeding programmes, Delhi zoo has welcomed off-springs of a Chinkara, Gaur and four-horned antelope.

"We recently received healthy off-springs of Chinkara, Gaur and four-horned antelope. While Chinkara and Gaur gave birth to a young one each, four-horned antelope gave birth to two off-springs," Riyaz Khan, zoo curator said.

The animals that gave birth were brought to the zoo as part of the National Zoological Park's exchange programmes, he said.

The young ones will be put on display only after the 'weaning period', which is the time period wherein animals cease to be dependent on the mother.

"All the four young ones are healthy. The mother animals are also reacting well after the births. The babies are being taken care of by the mothers," Dr Abhijeet Bhawal, Veterinary officer said.

The doctor noted that the mother animals are being fed vitamin supplements.

"Sometimes mothers eject the babies. In that case, zoo officials have to hand-raise them. The weaning period usually takes 2-3 months, after which the offsprings start taking food." Bhawal said.

Delhi zoo currently houses 4 Chinkara, 7 four-horned antelopes and 6 Gaur (Indian bison).