The birth of the second white rhino marks a significant milestone for the park’s endangered species programme.
Dubai: Amid regional uncertainty, a moment of hope has emerged at Dubai’s largest wildlife park with the birth of a second white rhino calf. The endangered species welcomed a healthy male born to mother Olive, later named Salam, which means “peace” in Arabic.
The birth marks a significant milestone in Dubai Safari Park’s ongoing conservation efforts and contributes to the global initiative to protect a species classified as Near Threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
With roughly 15,700 white rhinos remaining in the wild and numbers continuing to decline, each birth in a managed breeding programme is highly significant. Salam weighed 73.5 kg at birth and is thriving, already standing, walking, and suckling under the careful supervision of the park’s zoological team.
Salam is the second white rhino born through the park’s endangered species breeding programme, following Onyx in 2024. The initiative aims to strengthen vulnerable populations through partnerships with local and international wildlife institutions, a strategy increasingly crucial as wild habitats face growing pressures.
Muna Alhajeri, Director of Dubai Safari Park, described the birth as a milestone celebrated not just by the park’s staff, but by conservation advocates around the world.
Salam serves as a symbol of hope, encouraging us to remain steadfast in our ongoing conservation efforts and in our daily lives. The birth of our second white rhino highlights the significance of our endangered species breeding programme in supporting at-risk animal populations. We are proud to reach this milestone thanks to the dedication of our skilled experts, veterinarians, and zoologists from around the world, all committed to the highest standards of animal care and research. We look forward to continuing our active contribution to this vital cause and further strengthening our commitment to conservation.”
Bonding with his mother in the nursery den, Salam is receiving extra bedding and supplementary feeding as part of standard welfare measures. The park’s team reports that his development is progressing well across all key indicators.
Owned by Dubai Municipality, Dubai Safari Park spans 119 hectares in the heart of the city and is home to more than 3,000 animals representing over 300 species. The park offers two safari experiences along with a variety of educational and interactive visitor programmes. A portion of every ticket sold supports wildlife rescue, research, and care initiatives, meaning each visit directly contributes to the conservation efforts that welcomed Salam into the world.
According to its website, Dubai Safari Park is currently closed as a precautionary safety measure.
