Baby Boom at Blank Park Zoo

DES MOINES, Iowa (May 24, 2017) – In addition to “Tumani” the eastern black rhino born in October, “Lizzy” the giraffe born in December and “Sunny” the Bactrian camel born in early April, Blank Park Zoo has had a continued ‘baby boom’ this spring with another Bactrian camel calf, one addax calf and two eland calves born in the last few weeks. In addition, there are a couple wallaby joeys just big enough to hop out of their mother’s pouch soon.

“I think all Iowans can be proud of the fact that their zoo, the Blank Park Zoo, is helping save critically endangered animals such as the eastern black rhino and addax for the future,” said Mark Vukovich, CEO, Blank Park Zoo. “As an added benefit, the baby animal adorable factor has increased dramatically.”

With the exception of the giraffe, the public can see the babies in their outdoor habitats daily. (it will be a couple more weeks before Lizzy the giraffe makes her debut).

About Addax (Sources: iucnredlist.org, arkive.org)
Range & Habitat
The addax is a desert dwelling antelope that lives in the Sahara. It was once plentiful in North Africa but is now extinct in that region.
Feeding Type
Herbivorous
Diet in the Wild
Leaves and grasses
Diet at the Zoo
Grain & hay
Description
They can weigh up to 250 lbs. and stand 3.7 ft. tall at the shoulder; females are generally smaller than males. Both sexes have long twisted horns.
Conservation
The addax is listed as Critically Endangered by the ICUN Red List. Very few remain in natural habitats. Due to its slow movements, the Addax is an easy target for predators, including humans.

About Common Eland (Sources: iucnredlist.org, arkive.org)
Range & Habitat
Southern Africa, found in woodlands and savannah  
Feeding Type
Herbivorous
Diet in the Wild
Foliage, grasses, seeds, roots
Diet at the Zoo
Grain and Hay
Description
Males can weigh up to 2,000 lbs. and can be up to 11 feet long from head to body. The eland is the largest of the antelope species and the most adaptable ruminant, found in an array of habitats from sub-desert to woodland. Mostly browsers, they prefer to eat leaves from trees and bushes and will use their horns to break off branches. 
Conservation
The species is listed as least concern, however over-hunting and habitat loss has caused a decrease in the area where eland can be found.

About Bactrian Camels (Sources: iucnredlist.org, arkive.org, nationalgeographic.com)
Range & Habitat
The Bactrian camel’s range includes northwest China and Mongolia. Remaining wild camels live in small, fragmented populations in harsh desert habitats.
Feeding Type
Herbivorous
Diet in the Wild: 
Herbivore, Bactrian Camels consume mainly desert shrubs. Some of the species have adapted the ability to drink saltwater slush. 
Diet at the Zoo: 
Hay, Graze on grass, pelleted feed, carrots, sweet potato 
Description: 
The Bactrian camel is a large, with adult males weighing up to 2200 pounds.
Conservation
Critically Endangered. Less than 1,000 camels live in the wild, although the number of domesticated Bactrian camels is large. Nature reserves have been established in China and Mongolia to protect the wild Bactrian camel. Hunting and an increase of natural predators threaten the Bactrian camels. Due to their harsh desert habitats, Bactrian camels often go long periods without food or water. They are able to survive by storing fat in humps on their backs, drinking extremely large amounts of water when available, and they have the ability to fluctuate their body temperatures. The camels also have long, dense eyelashes that protect their eyes from sand.

Pictures and video of the baby animals: https://goo.gl/hAkMHJ
About Blank Park Zoo
Blank Park Zoo, Iowa’s WILDEST Adventure, is open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission rates are $14 for an adult, $8 for a child (3-12 years), and $11 for a senior. Children two years and under and Blank Park Zoo members are free. The Zoo is located at 7401 SW 9th St., Des Moines, IA 50315. Visit the Zoo online at http://www.blankparkzoo.com. The Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) The AZA is America’s leading accrediting organization that sets rigorous, professional standards for zoos and aquariums. The AZA is building North America's largest wildlife conservation movement by engaging and inspiring the 143 million annual visitors to its member institutions and their communities to care about and take action to help protect wildlife. 

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