Lahore:
Adex and Arabian oryx deer have given birth to babies in the safari park.
According to the park administration, one child has been born to both the animals, after which the total number of Addex has increased to fourteen and Oryx to nine.
The current herd of Addex consists of four males, seven females and three cubs while Oryx has three males, three females and three cubs.
According to the administration, the Arabian oryx is a straight and long-horned deer, which is also the national animal of the UAE, while the addex is mainly found in the Sahara desert of North Africa.
Both animals are found in semi-arid plains, coastal deserts and scrublands. Both species have an exceptional ability to withstand harsh weather conditions and can survive without water for several days.
Regarding food, the safari management said that both addix and oryx eat grass, dry pasture shrubs, leaves and sometimes roots. They are provided with green fodder and special mineral supplements in the safari park to maintain their growth and health.
Management says the new birth is not only an indication of the success of the breeding program, but also a positive example of a safe wildlife environment at the safari park where the survival and population growth of specific species continues as planned.
According to Dr. Rizwan Khan, Director of Veterinary Services at Wildlife Safari Zoo, these animals were brought in March 2024 under the Lahore Safari Park Upgradation Project. He said that the best health facility is being provided to these foreign animals round the clock.
Apart from this, they have spacious enclosures where they are with other species of animals and above all, their diet is taken care of and fed under a regular diet plan due to which they have a healthy breed. Earlier, a baby was also born to Nyala deer in Lahore Zoo.
