KEEPERS at a popular wildlife attraction have received an early Christmas present with the unexpected autumn birth of a baby dik-dik antelope.

Although the team at Milnthorpe’s Lakeland Wildlife Oasis knew their primary female, Cora, was pregnant, they were not sure how far along. They were alerted thanks to an eagle-eyed, regular visitor, who spotted Cora instinctively hiding the new-born in the bushes.

Now the zoo are planning to celebrate and are already putting in plans to accommodate the new baby being the centre of attention for delighted autumn half term visitors.

Zoo manager Grace Jackson said: “We only introduced dik-dik antelopes in 2019 as part of our major new Africa Drylands exhibit, so to have our first birth - and for it to be a surprise - is thrilling for everyone; once we’d got over the shock.”

Dad Dylan arrived from Twycross Zoo in 2019 aged just six months, next door to other African residents in the specially-designed habitat, like roller birds, crowned cranes, hornbills, and red crested turacos.

Grace said: “Dylan and Cora have reached maturity, but being relatively young and inexperienced, we had no expectations, especially as they kept the whole thing top secret! 

“When regular visitors, who get to know the animals really well, ran over and excitedly told us they’d seen a baby, we did a real double take.”

With first time mum and brand new baby sheltering from some ‘traditional’ Lake District weather in the bushes, keepers were torn between wanting to make sure the baby was healthy and safe, but not to stress or panic the new family. Cordoning off the area and keeping watch, they were relieved when the pair went inside, to the shelter of their heated bedroom, where they could be monitored without being disturbed.

With mum, dad and the as yet unnamed and unsexed baby doing well, the zoo will be celebrating over the weekend of October 15-16 with African-themed information, extra keeper talks, and traditional style food in the café, which proved irresistibly popular at the original launch of Africa Drylands.