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Location:

Africa Trail - Exhibit located on Desert Lives trail

Arabian Oryx

On Exhibit (locations are subject to change)

  • Debbie (F) 7/24/2013

  • Diana (F) 1/30/2022

  • Ruby (F) 1/12/2016

  • Daphne (F) 2/13/2023

  • Jade (F) 2/13/2023


Barn:

  • Jordan (M) 10/10/2018

  • Justin (M) 12/31/2018

Hill:

  • Raasi (M) 2/16/2008

  • Rathwan (M) 4/26/2006

Identifying Features:

History:

The Phoenix Zoo is credited with saving the Arabian Oryx from extinction. In 1962 they started the first captive-breeding herd in any zoo. Starting with only 9 animals, the Phoenix Zoo has had over 200 successful births. Oryx were sent to other zoos to start their herds. By 1990, the number of Arabian Oryx had increased to over 1300 including 112 captive bred ones which were reintroduced back to the wild in preserves in their native lands.

More Information:

  • Lives up to 20 years

  • Believed to have started the myth of the unicorn

  • They can smell rain and move in the direction of fresh plant growth, traveling hundreds of square miles to find it.

  • Well adapted for desert life

  • Shovel like and splayed hooves work like snow shoes to walk on sandy surfaces.

  • Once one of rarest animals in the world

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