DES MOINES, Iowa — The Blank Park Zoo announced on Thursday the birth of a critically endangered animal.

The new arrival is a male addax named Henri. According to the zoo, the addax is one of the most endangered antelopes in the world with less than 100 left in the wild.

“Every birth like Henri’s is a step forward for a species on the brink of extinction,” Blank Park Zoo President and CEO Anne Shimerdla said. “It underscores our ongoing dedication to species conservation and education. We hope that this, along with our temporary transformation into Dino Park Zoo this summer, will inspire guests to take action to save animals from extinction.”

Henri was born to Adeline and Po, who were brought to the zoo for a breeding recommendation through the Association of Zoos and Aquarium’s Addax Species Survival Plan. Henri is the second addax calf born at the zoo. In 2023 his sister, Bonnie, was born.

Henri isn’t the only new animal guests can see at the zoo. So far this summer, the zoo has announced the addition of two bamboo sharks named Snoopy and Pluto and a new rhino named AJ.

Guests can see all the new animals and the old favorites at the zoo daily. For more information about hours and admission, visit the zoo’s website.

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