The Smithsonian’s National Zoo is proud to announce the birth of a
female dama gazelle calf Friday, Oct. 2, to 2-year-old female Adara and
2-year-old male Rajih. The calf weighed 5 kilograms (11 pounds) at
birth. Zoo keepers have observed the calf nursing, grooming, and
galloping—all good signs pointing to good health!

Photo Credit: Mehgan Murphy/Smithsonian’s National Zoo

The calf is currently off-exhibit with her mother, along with her
soon-to-be 1-year-old sister Fahima. Rajih has been separated from the
female herd and can be seen on exhibit with the scimitar-horned oryx.

This birth is very significant for the dama gazelle population. The
International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources
Red List of Threatened Species lists the dama gazelle as critically
endangered. The Species Survival Plan currently manages 120 dama
gazelles in the United States. It is estimated that fewer than 500
remain in the wild and are under constant threat due to hunting and
poaching.