WILDFILE New Arrivals Addra Gazelle Birth
On November 20, a male addra gazelle was born to sire (dad) Fossil and dam (mom) Hera. This was the second addra calf born at The Living Desert in 2023! Addra gazelle, also known as dama or mhorr gazelle, are critically endangered with fewer than 200 mature addra estimated remaining in their native habitat. The Zoo partners with organizations around the world such as Sahara Conservation, who work to repopulate addra gazelle into areas of Africa where they have disappeared. Additionally, The Living Desert team has done field work with the Sahara Conservation and the Scimitar Horned Oryx Reintroduction Project to bring them back from extinction by reintroducing the species within a reserve in Chad, ensuring the animals are safer and continually monitored.
Headstart Tortoises New Cohort
In September, a new cohort of desert tortoise hatchlings arrived at the Zoo! This cohort is part of the headstarting program, a collaboration between The Living Desert, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, Edwards Air Force Base, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Geological Survey. These hatchlings will be cared for at the Tennity Wildlife Hospital, where they will live in a temperature-controlled environment and given a nutrient-rich diet to help the young tortoises grow larger with a thicker shell — one of their main forms of defense against predators such as ravens — faster than they would in the wild. Sadly, these tiny tortoises had a tough start. Due to the heavy rains and wet soil conditions last year, the hatchlings were slow to emerge from their eggs and suffered a fire ant infestation and flesh fly larva attack. The Living Desert and San Diego Zoo teams jumped into action, saving many hatchlings from the predation. Veterinary staff treated the new arrivals, and they have since been thriving in the safety of our care. Make sure to stop by the Wildlife Hospital to see these little hatchlings! foxpaws | SPRING 2024 19
