Almaty Zoo Welcomes Endangered Saiga Antelope Offspring, Celebrates Diana the Jaguar's Spirit
Almaty Zoo, the sole zoo in Central Asia to house saiga antelopes, has recently welcomed new offspring from these endangered species. Meanwhile, the zoo's star jaguar, Diana, continues to captivate visitors with her playful antics despite her disabilities.
Diana, an 18-year-old jaguar, was born with a birth injury that affected her paw and tail. Despite this, she remains active and playful, enjoying large plastic toys like barrels and traffic cones. Diana's resilience and spirit have made her a beloved figure at the zoo, where she greets all her keepers and staff warmly.
The zoo's success extends to its Amur tiger population. Bentley, a six-year-old male, and Aika, a five-year-old female, have recently become parents to two cubs. This follows the birth of Gloria, a hippo calf, to Jumbo and Lotti in May 2023. Jumbo, a male hippo from Israel, and Lotti, his partner from France, have been residents of the zoo since 2009 and 2018 respectively.
Almaty Zoo is also home to some of the oldest inhabitants in Central Asia. Budur, a Himalayan bear; Toksyn, a golden jackal; and Tabin, a white-handed gibbon, have all lived at the zoo for many years. The zoo's polar bear, Purga, enjoys a climate-controlled den with chilled floors and industrial air conditioning to help cope with the heat.
Almaty Zoo continues to thrive as a hub for endangered species and unique wildlife. With successful breeding programs, dedicated care for its animals, and a commitment to providing comfortable habitats, the zoo ensures a vibrant and diverse ecosystem for all its inhabitants.
