Taronga Western Plains Zoo has welcomed two critically-endangered Addax calves, with the most recent born right in front of lucky guests on Monday 21 October.

Both calves are quickly finding their feet, following their mums and suckling.

The births mean there are now three generations of living together on the main Addax habitat, near The Waterhole.

Keepers have already observed one calf's 'grandmother' keeping a close eye on her daughter and grandson, and "fussing over them".

Addax mothers will often ‘stash’ their young in a safe place, so guests might have to keep their eyes peeled to spy one of these adorable youngsters along the fence line of their Addax habitat.

Taronga Western Plains Zoo is home to 14 Addaxes, including 11 on the main Addax habitat, and a bachelor group of three males who lives behind the scenes as part of the Zoo's management of the species.

Taronga Western Plains Zoo has been a part of the joining the breeding program the Zoo has transferred Addax to Queensland and New Zealand to bolster the regional breeding program, with the sire of the two calves recently transferred to Monarto Safari Park in South Australia.

Addax are critically endangered, and were actually close to the brink of extinction before zoo-based conservation programs were used to recover this incredible African species of antelope. That's why every birth counts!

Did you know: You can make a difference for species like Addax simply by visiting the Zoo, staying overnight, or buying a gift or encounter! Taronga is not-for-profit, so every dollar you spend at the Zoo or at our online Zoo shop has the power to protect wildlife.