ROYAL OAK, Mich., October 21, 2009 – The Detroit Zoo’s three new male lesser kudus – 2-year-old Natunga, 1-year-old Naziri and 1-year-old Moliko – add up to one great sight to see.

“These beautiful antelopes symbolize Africa and are a great addition to the African Grasslands at the Detroit Zoo,” said Scott Carter, Director of Conservation and Animal Welfare.

The lesser kudu (Tragelaphus imberbis) has a bronze coat laced with 11 to 15 white stripes on each side and diagonal stripes between its eyes called chevrons.  The male is distinguished by its spiraled horns.

Considered one of nature’s shyest animals, the lesser kudu often hides in the dense brush throughout eastern Africa and is most active at dawn and dusk.  The species is classified as “near threatened”.

Natunga, Naziri and Moliko can be seen at the African Watering Hole across from the zebras.

The Detroit Zoological Society is a non-profit organization that operates the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Zoo.  Situated on 125 acres of naturalistic exhibits, the Detroit Zoo is located at the intersection of Ten Mile Road and Woodward Avenue, just off I-696, in Royal Oak.  The Detroit Zoo is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through October, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. November through March and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April through Labor Day (with extended hours until 8 p.m. Wednesdays during July and August).  Admission is $11 for adults 15 to 61, $9 for senior citizens 62 and older, and $7 for children ages 2 to 14; children under 2 are free.  For more information, call (248) 541-5717 or visit www.detroitzoo.org.  The Belle Isle Nature Zoo is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. year-round and provides educational programming with interpretive staff support from the Huron-Clinton Metroparks.  Admission is free.  For more information, call (313) 852-4056. 
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