COLCHESTER Zoo has welcomed yet another new infant to its animal family... and is looking for your help to name it.
The zoo's animal care team has announced one of their female Kirk’s dik-diks gave birth to a healthy male calf.
This newest arrival is Pumpkin’s fifth offspring.
Pumpkin was born at Edinburgh Zoo on October 31 and in August 2021 was transferred to Colchester Zoo upon a breeding recommendation for the species.
Dad, Demetri, arrived from Antwerp Zoo in September 2016 and has since sired a total of 16 calves – the newest arrival being his 17th.
The zoo said Pumpkin is an experienced mother and both she and the little calf are doing well.
Young- The unnamed baby dik-dik is four weeks old. (Image: Colchester Zoo)
A spokesman said: "Although you may be lucky to spot our newest arrival out into the paddock, Pumpkin and the calf will remain indoors for the majority of their time, in an off-show area as the little one grows healthier and stronger.
"They will then join the rest of their family, in their main habitat at Edge of Africa."
The Kirk’s dik-dik is one of the smallest members of the antelope family, typically only weighing up to 7kg.
Their name comes from the distinctive ‘dik-dik’ call they make when startled, which helps to confuse predators.
They can also run up to 26mph in a zig-zag pattern to outrun any dangers.
Following the birth, the animal care team is now deciding on a name and is looking for the public's help.
"With mum named Pumpkin, and previous calves called Pie, Spice and Munchkin, it is only right to follow in their footsteps," a spokesman said.
"Please let us know your favourite out of the following shortlisted names over on our Facebook page."
The options are Katsu, a traditional Japanese dish which can be made with pumpkins, Jack, short for Jack-O-Lantern, Squash, with pumpkins being a type of squash and Pepo, with the scientific name for a pumpkin being Cucurbita pepo.
The zoo says it will announce the chosen name soon.
The previous Kirk’s dik-dik arrival at Colchester Zoo was in March, when Mum Daenerys gave birth to a single calf, also fathered by Demetri.
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