Zoo Atlanta Welcomes Two Lesser Kudus

December 19,2012

Sherlock and Watson, two young male lesser kudus, are moving in at Zoo Atlanta, a CAP Member. The east African antelopes are the first ambassadors for their species to be represented at the zoo, according to the zoo’s website.

Both are a year old and hail from San Diego Zoo Global. Once they’re introduced to their new surroundings, Sherlock and Watson will have a chance to get to know their neighbors in the African Plains exhibit, which is home to giraffes, zebras and ostrich, Zoo Atlanta said.

The east African antelopes are smaller than their massive relatives the greater kudus, but the term “lesser” shouldn’t imply a less striking impression, says the zoo. "Males sport distinctive horns which can grow to 28 inches and may feature up to three twists. At 88 pounds and 112 pounds respectively, Sherlock and Watson are still growing their horns and their bulk; both will someday weigh up to 200 pounds," Zoo Atlanta's website said.

According to Zoo Atlanta, lesser kudus are not yet classified as endangered, but populations are declining as a result of habitat loss and hunting for their horns, which are used as symbols of virility in some traditional rituals.

“We’re delighted to welcome a new species to the Zoo and to Atlanta. Lesser kudus are a species with an important conservation story to tell,” Raymond King, Zoo Atlanta’s president and chief executive officer, said in a statement. “We hope that having the chance to get to know Sherlock and Watson will help give our guests a personal stake in the many conservation stories now being played out in wild places around the world.”

-Courtesy, Atlanta Business Chronicle