Dubai beloved giraffe celebrates 25th birthday at Safari Park
Dalia the giraffe, Dubai Safari Park's oldest and possibly most beloved resident, turned 25 yesterday, a hefty age for her rare breed; at least a whole head taller than the other visitors, she towered out of frame in classic grace, a more-than-age-appropriate, guzzling the lettuce provided to mark her milestone.
In pictures and videos posted to the zoo's social media by staff, Dalia was seen with a specially made birthday cake — with carrot and cucumber rounds between layers and topped with fresh lettuce and her preferred feed. Just a simple meal for the gentle giant who has gradually been adopting the role of matriarch of the park’s giraffe group.
Dalia, a female reticulated giraffe (IUCN status: Endangered with under 11,000 individuals left worldwide), was born on April 9th, 2000, at the former Dubai Zoo. Her father was flown in from Qatar, and she was one of two calves to be born on that day - but only Dalia lived. Dr Reza Khan, a 78-year-old wildlife expert and former head of Dubai Zoo, recalls the day she was born.
Dr Khan recalls, The zoo was full of visitors. Over the course of hours, Dalia was born out in the open for the world to see. In giraffes, the calf first appears with the two tiny feet, followed by the calf falling headfirst onto the ground (a helpful drop that wakes it from a comatose state). Time and again, she found it a sheer joy to watch as her mother groomed her, licking her clean while she struggled up to her feet.”
Dalia transitioned into the large spaces of Dubai Safari Park, which is home to more than 3,000 animals and is recognized for leading wildlife conservation efforts in the region after living the past few years in Dubai Zoo where she held the role of matriarch of her herd. A slew of shelters and sanctuaries combined, the park is modelled on the animals' natural habitats, taking care of them 24/7, providing them with various enrichment programmes and having a veterinary hospital on the premises — all in a bid working towards animals like Dalia getting old gracefully.
Wildlife expert at the Dubai Safari Park Dion, said: "She's the grand old lady of the park. We have some age related osteoporosis with the old lady as we have many but we are now invested us in advanced imaging systems in order to keep track of her condition. You are continuing to come into work every day and leading with grace."
Her devoted keeper Amir Ikere, an Animal Care Specialist at Dubai Safari Park, said she acted as "a mentor" to others in the herd.
Ikere said, “Dalia is close to my heart and to everyone here. Dalia may be 90, but she is very active, fit, and healthy. The connection that Dalia and I developed over years as I learned to know her and develop a faith between us, a bond that is beyond valuation to me.
Through eye contact and gentle nudges, Dalia teaches the younger giraffes to remain calm when visitors are nearby, he said.
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