Emirates Park Zoo welcomed new animals including a baby hippo, giraffe and mandrills, showcasing its commitment to wildlife conservation and breeding success.
DUBAI: Emirates Park Zoo & Resort has proudly announced a delightful baby boom, featuring the birth of several new animals including Kibbo the baby hippo, Eid the baby giraffe, George and Georgina the baby mandrills, a baby camel, and others. These newborns symbolised not only the joys of nature but also the zoo’s unwavering commitment to global wildlife conservation.
Dr. Walid Shaaban, CEO of Emirates Park Zoo, said each birth is a sign of hope and the result of scientific conservation efforts. The zoo’s breeding programmes follow international standards set by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), supporting endangered species’ survival through structured Species Survival Plans.
Behind every new arrival is a team of experts providing tailored care. From laboratory testing to seasonal diet plans and birth-ready spaces, the zoo ensured each animal received optimal pre- and postnatal care. Special attention was given to environmental control — from heated bedding in winter to cooled dens during summer — to ensure both mother and baby thrived regardless of season.
Post-delivery, bonding is prioritised by allowing mothers and newborns time away from visitors to strengthen their connection — a crucial phase for long-term survival. The zoo also balances conservation breeding with health-led contraception in select cases, avoiding high-risk pregnancies in vulnerable animals.
In instances of infertility, the zoo applies assisted reproductive technologies like artificial insemination and IVF, and is exploring biobanking to preserve endangered genes. This approach has already proven effective in species like the addax antelope, once extinct in the wild.
Visitors are now invited to meet these new stars at Emirates Park Zoo, where every newborn marks another step forward in global conservation.
