By Jeff Devine, The Chronicle
There are two new reasons to visit the Montgomery Zoo, and their names are Dolly and Parton.
The Montgomery Zoo recently welcomed two Greater Kudu calves, with the youngsters making their public debut Tuesday, Sept. 29.
The calves were named Dolly and Parton in honor of country music legend Dolly Parton, adding a little star power to the zoo’s growing animal family.
Dolly was born Aug. 23 to her mother, Angie, and zoo officials describe her as curious and full of life. She is always ready to play and seems determined to investigate the world around her.
Parton arrived just one day later, on Aug. 24, to her mother, Mona. While Dolly is the more adventurous of the pair, Parton takes a more cautious approach, preferring to lay low and carefully approach new things.
The two calves are now beginning to experience life in the public eye after making their debut Tuesday. Visitors will be able to see Dolly and Parton on a rotating schedule with the zoo’s male kudu herd.
Greater Kudu, scientifically known as Tragelaphus strepsiceros, are large African antelope that live primarily in woodland, scrub, bush, and savanna habitats. They are herbivores, feeding on vegetation such as leaves, grass, shoots, and, at times, roots, tubers, and fruit.
One of the species’ most recognizable features is its distinctive coloring. Greater Kudu can have brown, bluish-gray, or reddish-brown coats marked by multiple vertical white stripes. Males grow impressive horns that can eventually develop into two and a half twists.
Greater Kudu are social animals, with females commonly forming small groups with their offspring. Males may form bachelor groups, although adult males are also often found alone. The species communicates through a variety of sounds, including grunts, clucks, humming, and gasping.
The arrival of Dolly and Parton also offers zoo visitors an opportunity to watch two young Kudu develop their own personalities. For now, those personalities already appear to be quite different.
Dolly is the curious one, eager to explore her surroundings and find something new to investigate, while Parton is taking a more cautious approach to her new world.
And with names inspired by one of country music’s most recognizable stars, these two new arrivals are already bringing plenty of charm to the Montgomery Zoo.
Visitors hoping to catch a glimpse of the youngsters should keep in mind that Dolly and Parton will be displayed on a rotating schedule with the zoo’s male Kudu herd
