Lehigh Valley Zoo, Schnecksville, and Lowhill Township, in conjunction with Lehigh Valley Health Network, has announced that a male scimitar-horned oryx calf has been born into the herd.

LVHN is the official motherhood partner of the zoo.

The new, yet-to-be-named calf was reported healthy and nursing from his mother, Ducati, within an hour of birth.

Oryx calves typically stand within the first hour of birth, which the zoo’s newest addition demonstrated for his keepers.

Ducati has remained healthy throughout the process.

Scimitar-horned oryx are considered extinct in the wild, so this is a huge celebration for the zoo, which is a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and a participant in the Species Survival Plan for scimitar-horned oryx.

Oryx calves weigh an average 22 pounds at birth and measure approximately 25 inches from shoulder to hoof, whereas human babies average 7.5 pounds and measure approximately 19 inches from head to toe.

Additionally, oryx pregnancies last between eight to eight-and-a-half months and the young become fully independent around the 14-week-old mark.

Both male and female calves reach sexual maturity by age 2.

To learn more about the oryx, visit the zoo’s website.

The newest resident of the zoo still needs a name.

In partnership with LVHN, the zoo is requesting suggestions from the community.

Names may be submitted on the zoo’s Facebook page regarding the newest calf for a chance to win a family four-pack to the zoo.

Anyone interested in helping further the care of the new calf - or any of the animals - during this critical time is encouraged to visit lvzoo.org/SustainOurMission.