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San Diego Zoo welcomes birth of dik-dik calf

The San Diego Zoo announced the birth of a baby dik-dik, the world's smallest species of antelope. Photo courtesy of the San Diego Zoo
1 of 2 | The San Diego Zoo announced the birth of a baby dik-dik, the world's smallest species of antelope. Photo courtesy of the San Diego Zoo

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March 15 (UPI) -- The San Diego Zoo announced the birth of a baby dik-dik, the world's smallest species of antelope.

The zoo said the female calf, born to parents Chloe and Shaggy, was dubbed Abeba, which means "flower" in Amharic, an Ethiopian Semitic language.

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Dik-diks are the world's smallest antelopes, growing up to weigh between 6 to 13 pounds. The animals are known for their long and flexible snouts, which cool the harsh African air before it reaches the lungs.

"The young calf spends her time nursing and 'tucking' -- laying hidden out of sight for protection from predators -- which is helpful when you're a member of one of the world's smallest antelope species," the zoo said in a news release. "She's also been seen prancing around with the occasional case of 'the zoomies.'"

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