Photo of Addax Calf and Mother Reesie on 8/28/2029

Addax Calf 2024

The baby boom continues at the Louisville Zoo with the birth of a 19 lb. female addax. The calf was born between 1 and 2 a.m. on August 23, 2024, to 6-year-old Reesie. The father is 6-year-old Winfield. Both mom and calf are doing well and are currently off exhibit as they continue to bond. The calf’s name will be announced in the coming weeks.

The Zoo has had a successful breeding program with addax which are experiencing critical challenges in the vanishing wild. With drastically diminished numbers, some say they are on the verge of imminent extinction.

Louisville Zoo Director Dan Maloney expressed enthusiasm about the Zoo’s mini baby boom emphasizing the significance of these births.  “It is important to note these births are all recommended and carefully planned via the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP). Aimed at maintaining the genetic diversity of managed animal populations in human care, the SSP contributes to the conservation of various species,“ he noted. “We look forward to celebrating the arrival of all our newborns at the Zoo with our guests.”

This latest birth brings the total of addax born at the Louisville Zoo to 61. The last calf born at the Zoo was Jira in 2020. Addax have been a part of the Louisville Zoo since it opened in 1969 and with this birth the Zoo is averaging more than an addax birth a year for this critically endangered species.

ADDAX FAQ

  • When can I see the addax calf?
    With this being Reesie’s first calf, we are taking our time with introductions and there is currently no rotation schedule. Please check out Today at the Zoo for daily updates on viewing.
  • What is the name of the addax calf?
    An announcement on the addax’s name will be made in the coming weeks.
  • What is the sex of the addax calf?
    The addax calf is a female.
  • How are the addax mother and calf doing?
    Both Mom and calf appear to be doing excellent. This is female Reesie’s first calf, but she immediately bonded with the calf who quickly began nursing.
  • Will the addax dad be part of the calf’s life?
    While the calf is small, father Winfield is rotated separately.
  • How many addax calves have been born at the Zoo?
    This new addax birth marks the 61st calf born here at the Louisville Zoo.
  • When was the last addax born at the Zoo?
    The last addax born at the Zoo was Jira (JEE-RA) on May 8, 2020.
  • Are Addax endangered?
    Addax are considered critically endangered. In 2016, field researchers estimated that less than 100 of these mammals remain in the wild. This is mostly due to poaching and habitat destruction, primarily from oil exploration.

SUPPORT OUR ADDAX

Please consider making a gift to support the daily care of our Addax calf as she joins the as the rest of her new herd. Donations of any amount make a direct impact on their around the care and essentials they need to thrive.