There’s always something exciting to see at Dublin Zoo. But while a stroll around the Phoenix Park attraction is always a thrill, it can be easy to overlook the conservation work that goes on behind the scenes.

On Wednesday, the birth was announced of a male scimitar-horned oryx, a species classified as extinct in the wild. The herd at Dublin Zoo now totals seven, which is an incredible feat considering their numbers worldwide.

According to the zoo, “the scimitar-horned oryx was once widespread across northern Africa, but due to overhunting, habitat loss and competition with domestic livestock, they have gradually disappeared from the wild. The species have now been classified as extinct in the wild by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), as there has been no definitive evidence of their presence in the wild since the early 1990’s.”

Dublin Zoo has been home to a breeding group of scimitar-horned oryx, and over the last five years they have financially supported the reintroduction programme for the species in Tunisia. Through this programme, oryx bred in zoos have been reintroduced into semi wild areas across the country, and there are now over 200 oryx in these areas.

Commenting on the birth, Dublin Zoo team leader Helen Clarke-Bennet said, “We are so pleased to welcome our newest addition to the scimitar-horned oryx herd and recognise the impact this birth makes on the conservation efforts being made to protect this species. Both mother and calf are doing extremely well – we are delighted to report he was up and running about just one hour after birth!”

You can see more at Dublin Zoo. The Croke Park is the perfect accommodation partner for a visit to Dublin Zoo – it’s just a 15-minute drive away. The Dublin Zoo Family Package includes:

• Overnight accommodation in a Superior Double Bedroom for 2 adults and 2 children
• Family pass to Dublin Zoo
• Complimentary Full Irish Breakfast
• 3 course set evening meal in the Sideline Bistro

Rates start at just €249 per night. You can see more on the website.