On Friday 29^th September Blue duiker Jasmine gave birth to a single healthy male calf! Both mum and her new arrival are doing well as Jasmine continues to be a very attentive mother. Dad, Jafar is also lending a hand to keep an eye on the youngster.

This is Jasmine's first offspring and a big achievement for her in particular as she only has three legs due to an injury which resulted in amputation. Since then we were unsure whether Jasmine would be able to conceive. This is also an extra exciting new arrival for us here at Colchester Zoo as this is the first Blue duiker to be born here so we are thrilled that Jasmine and Jafar have become parents.

Keepers have named the new arrival Aladdin and as he continues to grow bigger and stronger he is also getting more adventurous. Aladdin has been exploring his new home and getting to know the Blue cranes with whom he shares his home.

Blue duikers such as our new arrival are the smallest of the duiker species. Their coat is blue-grey in colour and one of its most distinguishing features is the scent gland on its face. These look like vertical markings which run down the face from the cheek to the mouth. 

The group are fed a diet of various fruit and vegetables and also have a daily vitamin supplement to make sure they have a fully balanced diet.

This adorable family can be seen in their enclosure down at Edge of Africa.

Find out how you could adopt one of our Blue Duiker here.