CHICAGO _ Brookfield Zoo medical staff on Wednesday had to put down a tiny African antelope born on Valentine's Day due to a severe birth defect that meant it would not have survived, the zoo announced on its Facebook page.
Local media had photographed the animal, named Valentino, at the zoo's invitation after its birth. It was notable for its doe eyes and size of less than 1 { lbs. The animal was a Kirk's dik-dik, an antelope native to Africa that, fully grown, weighs no more than a small dog.
"Unfortunately, veterinarians identified a birth defect that affected Valentino's ability to swallow normally," the zoo said in its posting. "Surgery was not an option due to the severity of his condition. Because of the extremely poor prognosis and concern for Valentino's quality of life and welfare, veterinarians and animal care staff made the very difficult decision."'
