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There's some lovely news from Terra Natura Murcia this week. Two male oryx calves have been born at the park, bringing the total number of these striking animals living in the African savanna area to 23. It's a genuinely heartwarming addition to the herd, and one that carries real significance beyond the obvious delight of two new arrivals.

 

The oryx, also known as the oryx gazelle, has had a precarious relationship with survival in the wild. The species was considered extinct outside of human care until 2023, which makes every successful birth in a managed environment more than just good news for the park. It's a small but meaningful contribution to keeping the species alive.

 

 

Terra Natura Murcia has been home to a well-established oryx group for many years and plays an active role in coordinating the conservation and reproduction of the species through the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP), an initiative promoted by the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA). The programme works by coordinating the management and breeding of specific species across participating centres, with the long-term goal of supporting their survival. A recent example of this work in practice was the transfer of eight oryx from Terra Natura Murcia to Casablanca as part of a wider conservation effort for the species.

 

The two new calves strengthen the park's oryx group and add momentum to that ongoing work. They can be seen in the African savanna section of the park, which remains one of the most popular areas for visitors of all ages.

 

It's the kind of story that's easy to feel good about. Behind the scenes, zoos like Terra Natura Murcia are doing quiet but important conservation work that often goes unnoticed, and the birth of two healthy calves from a species that was only recently considered lost from the wild is a reminder of why that work matters.

 

Next time you visit the African savanna area, keep an eye out for the newest members of the herd.

 

 

 

 

Image: Terra Natura Murcia