Blair Drummond Safari & Adventure Park Blair Drummond Safari Park News

Some sad news

We are deeply saddened to announce the loss of Kelly, one of our beloved giraffes, who died peacefully on the 23rd of May.

In light of her recent failing health, our vet team conducted a thorough health screening. During this screening, we sadly determined that the best course of action was to put her to sleep.

Kelly was 22 years of age and one of the oldest giraffes in the UK. Kelly was well-known for her lovely, gentle nature and had been a popular member of the Blair Drummond family for over a decade. Although contentedly shy, when she warmed to you it felt like such an honour to be in her company. ❤

She is survived by her daughter Bella who also lives here with us in the park. Her loss will be deeply felt by all our staff, members and visitors.

Find out more: Farewell to our beloved giraffe Kelly - Blair Drummond Safari Park
 
Other 2023 News:

On February 1st, the zoo announced that (2.0) pygmy goats named Neeps and Tatties were born a week prior and are now on exhibit.

❤ Our first babies of 2023... - Blair Drummond Safari Park
Baby goat back massage | The results are in! Our new pygmy goats are officially called... Neeps and Tatties. Baby goat back massage anyone? . . . Pets Farm Keeper... | By Blair Drummond Safari Park | Facebook

On March 13th, the zoo announced that (0.0.2) more pygmy goats named Calypso and Captain Jack Sparrow/Jack were born the week prior and are now on exhibit.

Welcome to the world, Captain... - Blair Drummond Safari Park

On April 5th, the zoo announced that (0.0.2) Valais Blacknose sheep named Kasper and Killian were born a week prior and are now on exhibit.

Welcome to the world, Killian... - Blair Drummond Safari Park

On June 16th, the zoo announced that a (1.0) alpaca named Sir Steveo was born the week prior and is now on exhibit.

And the babies just keep on... - Blair Drummond Safari Park

On June 23rd, the zoo announced that a (0.1) alpaca named Pippa was born the week prior and is now on exhibit.

The baby boom continues! ... - Blair Drummond Safari Park
The results are in! Our... - Blair Drummond Safari Park

On June 14th, the zoo announced that a (0.0.1) Humboldt penguin named Sunny hatched on April 19th.

Introducing Sunny, the... - Blair Drummond Safari Park

On June 29th, the zoo announced that a (1.0) California sea lion named Barney was born on June 21st.

And then there were two! ... - Blair Drummond Safari Park
Our second sea lion pup was born 3 weeks ago today and our keepers were having a tough time choosing a name for him. We decided to call in an expert... | By Blair Drummond Safari Park | Facebook

On July 21st, the zoo announced that their (0.1) red-legged seriema named Elvis passed away on July 18th.

It is with a heavy heart that... - Blair Drummond Safari Park

On August 9th, it was announced that the zoo transferred (2.0) black-and-white ruffed lemurs named Alexi and Dustin to Shepreth Wildlife Park in Royston.

Meet our new lemurs with keeper TK! If you visit us, you will be able to hear all about them at our daily talk at 2.30pm. | By Shepreth Wildlife Park - Facebook
 
Meet Sifa, our newest giraffe!

On September 20th, Sifa, a 5-year-old Rothchild’s giraffe, joined us from Dublin Zoo. He's our first male giraffe since 2010 and was moved here following a recommendation from the European Endangered Species Programme. ✨

Sifa's impressive 18-foot height meant a special ride in a custom transporter from Ireland. After a 3-hour sea voyage and a 337-mile road trip, he's now right at home in our park! ️

Our team is over the moon about our newest addition. He's already been introduced to Harriet, Bella, and Ruby and they all seem to be getting on well! Make sure to swing by and say hi when you next visit.

Find out more Sifa the giraffe sets sail for Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park - Blair Drummond Safari Park

Do we reckon the studbook have allowed potential breeding to proceed? Considering all 3 girls are hybrid
 
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In Loving Memory of Poppy

We're heartbroken to share that our beloved sea lion, Poppy, has peacefully passed away at the age of nineteen. Age-related health issues took their toll, and we made the tough decision to put her to sleep.

Poppy was born in 2004 at Longleat Safari Park and became a cherished member of our family just one year later. Poppy was our oldest sea lion and a firm favourite with many of our guests.

She will be greatly missed by all our staff, members and visitors.

Find out more Blair Drummond announces death of beloved Poppy - Blair Drummond Safari Park
 
In Loving Memory of Poppy

We're heartbroken to share that our beloved sea lion, Poppy, has peacefully passed away at the age of nineteen. Age-related health issues took their toll, and we made the tough decision to put her to sleep.

Poppy was born in 2004 at Longleat Safari Park and became a cherished member of our family just one year later. Poppy was our oldest sea lion and a firm favourite with many of our guests.

She will be greatly missed by all our staff, members and visitors.

Find out more Blair Drummond announces death of beloved Poppy - Blair Drummond Safari Park
Was she the mother of the pups?
 
Meet Sifa, our newest giraffe!

On September 20th, Sifa, a 5-year-old Rothchild’s giraffe, joined us from Dublin Zoo. He's our first male giraffe since 2010 and was moved here following a recommendation from the European Endangered Species Programme. ✨

Sifa's impressive 18-foot height meant a special ride in a custom transporter from Ireland. After a 3-hour sea voyage and a 337-mile road trip, he's now right at home in our park! ️

Our team is over the moon about our newest addition. He's already been introduced to Harriet, Bella, and Ruby and they all seem to be getting on well! Make sure to swing by and say hi when you next visit.

Find out more Sifa the giraffe sets sail for Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park - Blair Drummond Safari Park

Do we reckon the studbook have allowed potential breeding to proceed? Considering all 3 girls are hybrid
This really is a bit puzzling indeed.

Are all 3 cows contracepted or ovariectomised?
F Ruby (b. 14.3.2008, generic / hybrid)
F Bella (b. 11.8.2009, generic / hybrid)
F Harriet (b. 5.7.2005, generic / hybrid)

Blair Drummond formerly also held F Kelly (b. 29.5.2000. Belfast, hybrid - deceasgd May 2023) and F Keisha (b. 23.10.1998, Twycross, generic / hybrid).

At Kelly's passing the feature note:
QUOTE "Here at Blair Drummond Safari Park, we currently serve as a giraffe hybrid holding facility, offering a home to hybrid giraffes and allowing other zoos the opportunity to breed freely within their own collections. As such, our facility acts as something of a retirement home for the giraffe community and most of our residents are in their later years." UNQOUTE
 
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Today, Blair Drummond announced that female chimpanzee Copper has been put to sleep aged 34 following recent ill health. This sad event leaves the park's chimpanzee troop with only two members left; Chippie and Gill.
Two females left, mmmm. Interesting what their long term plan is with great apes / chimpanzees. Originally, the zoo maintained a group of 1.3 verus, 0.1 (Sierra Leone, verus?) and 0.1 hybrid (F Tupelo).
 
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