Once declared extinct in the wild, the Scimitar-horned Oryx – a stunning desert antelope with long, curved horns – now roams free once again in its African homeland. Thanks to world-leading breeding and reintroduction efforts, its conservation status has officially been upgraded to Endangered – a rare win in the fight to save species from extinction.
Breeding hope, right here in SA
Monarto Safari Park has been working with Scimitar-horned Oryx for more than 30 years. A major milestone came in 2011 when a genetically strong herd was transferred from the NT to help build a healthy breeding population.
Since then, the Park has welcomed 119 calves, including 38 now living in wild Africa, a vast open-range habitat designed to mimic their native savannah.
“To see these animals roaming free in such a vast and natural space is incredibly rewarding,” says Monarto Safari Park Acting Director Dr Ian Smith. “It reminds us of what’s possible when people come together to protect a species.”
From extinction to freedom
In Chad, Oryx once disappeared entirely. But since 2016, a bold reintroduction program has seen 285 Oryx released into the wild – now breeding and thriving on their own.
“This is one of the few times we’ve seen a species go from zero to viable in the wild again,” says Dr Smith. “It’s a powerful story – and we’re proud that Monarto Safari Park is part of the global solution.”
Families can spot these incredible animals on Monarto’s Zu-loop bus tour (included with entry) or book an exclusive safari experience through Wild Africa, available to guests of the new Monarto Safari Resort.
“Visitors play a huge role in this story,” says Dr Smith. “By coming to Monarto, you’re supporting the programs that bring species back from the edge.”
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