The oryx effect: Cork-born antelope to mate in Tunisia
Management at the park announced yesterday that it had introduced a Scimitar-horned Oryx into the African country to boost herd numbers.
The male oryx was born four years ago at the Cork wildlife park and it is hoped the male will shortly start breeding.
He was transported to Tunisia in a custom-built truck and by plane.
Throughout the journey the oryx was accompanied by trained staff and arrived in Tunisia “in top condition”.
Wildlife park director, Dr Neil Stronach, said: “This is an extremely exciting time for us. The herd is growing steadily and we hope to have continued success with the breeding programme in the future.”
Dr Stronach said the oryx herd at Fota has produced 71 calves since 1983, which remains a huge achievement.
They graze in the park alongside giraffe, zebra, ostrich and many other free ranging animals.
The wildlife park is a major contributor to the global breeding programme, the park director said. Staff would continue to focus their efforts on the ambitious oryx reintroduction programme to the countries around the Sahara.
The Fota-born animal has joined a herd which includes animals which were bred in captivity in Sweden, France, Germany and California.
Meanwhile, the wildlife park will remain open to the public except on Christmas Day, St Stephen’s Day and New Year’s Day.
