Birth of five oryx a big success for wildlife park

THE arrival of five oryx calves at Fota Wildlife Park marks another step in global efforts to save the highly endangered species — as well as adding a new attraction for thousands of visitors.

The births to five scimitar-horned oryx mothers in recent weeks bring to 70 the number of calves which have arrived to the Co Cork herd since 1983.

The species is on the brink of extinction and Fota is one of a number of international zoos and wildlife parks that are home to 1,200 such animals. Reintroduction programmes are also beginning to show successes in Tunisia, Morocco and Senegal.