Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park at Walt Disney World has welcomed a new Duiker baby born earlier this month.
The Details
This sweet yellow-backed duiker calf has been named Penny, and Dr. Mark Penning, Vice President, Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment, says she and mom Pearl are doing well.
Penny was actually a milestone birth for Walt Disney World, he says, as the last yellow-backed duiker calf born in the park’s care was over 20 years ago.
Dr. Mark and his team worked with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan to introduce this unique species to Disney guests.
Mom and baby are backstage now, but guests can look out for this adorable pair of animals on Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail later this summer.
About Duikers
A duiker is a small to medium-sized brown antelope species native to sub-Saharan Africa, and can be found in heavily wooded areas.
Yellow-backed duikers, which Penny and her mom are, are the most widely-distributed of all duikers. They are found mainly in Central and Western Africa,
These forest dwelling antelope feed selectively on plants or plant parts such as shoots, roots, leaves, and buds, but their diet is mainly made up of fruits.