Mhorr gazelles born at ZooParc: a boost for the conservation of this endangered species

Two mhorr gazelles were recently born at ZooParc. These births are of great significance: the Mhorr gazelle is a critically endangered species. It is estimated that only about 250 individuals remain in the wild. With the arrival of these calves, ZooParc is making a valuable contribution to the European conservation program for this gazelle species.

The calves were born on May 12 and 14 to two different mothers. One is a male and the other a female. Head of Animal Care Max Kronier: “The calves are doing well so far. Due to the inclement weather, they’ve spent a bit more time indoors, but we hope to see them out and about more soon.”

ZooParc Overloon participates in the European Endangered Species Program (EEP), in which more than 300 zoos collaborate to maintain a healthy reserve population. “The mhorr gazelle is struggling greatly in the wild,” said Kronier. “So it’s important that we, as a park, contribute to the conservation of this unique and vulnerable species.”

Origin and Threats

The Mhorr gazelle is a subspecies of the dama gazelle and is native to Northwest Africa, including Morocco, Senegal, and Sudan. The species nearly disappeared entirely from the wild in the 1970s due to intensive hunting. Thanks to a rescue effort led by Spanish researcher José Antonio Valverde and international cooperation, several hundred animals now live in rescue centers, zoos, and reintroduction areas.