Blackpool Zoo Blackpool Zoo News 2025

[Ryley]

Thank you. Would have hoped something would have been mentioned by now if the house has been closed for this long. Just deciding if to visit tomorrow or try Knowsley now the tiger cubs have been popping out with mum

No problem! Due to the inexperience with young calfs at Blackpool, the announcement could be anytime. The loss of the two calfs in 2024 would have definitely made the zoo more secretive, probably why we had no pregnancy announcement this time (Which is fair). Maybe they will say something on Elephant Appreciation Day? We will have to wait patiently

 

[Jambo]

Visited today! The house is still closed and only Emmett, Minbu and Kate could be seen. I have a lot of hope now, the calf will be atleast two-three weeks old, older than the calf born to Esha in 2024.

That's very positive news. If Tara has birthed, it makes sense to group both Noorjahan and Esha with her; as although both females obviously sadly lost their calves last year, they'll hopefully have success with their next and witnessing and contributing to the birth/raising of a calf in the meantime would be really good for them.

It's also important to remember that Tara's never raised a successful calf before, so Noorjahan (who has) will provide a crucial role in guiding Tara. Esha will also have the opportunity to learn valuable maternal skills too.

 

[Pertinax]

Elephant Appreciation Day is this coming Monday 22nd apparently. Might be a good day if there is an announcement to be made. Otherwise, the longer the house remains closed the higher the chance of some good news here I think.

 

[Ryley]

Elephant Appreciation Day is this coming Monday 22nd apparently. Might be a good day if there is an announcement to be made. Otherwise, the longer the house remains closed the higher the chance of some good news here I think.

I will be constantly checking their socials! This baby would be such a great addition to the zoo, Tara’s first (living) calf and the Zoo’s first hopefully healthy baby elephant! I keep my fingers crossed

 

[catfan]

I will be constantly checking their socials! This baby would be such a great addition to the zoo, Tara’s first (living) calf and the Zoo’s first hopefully healthy baby elephant! I keep my fingers crossed

I'm hoping if it was positive news they would possibly email members first but won't hold my breath. I don't facebook/insta. I do have twitter/X but the zoo doesn't post on there so would be reliant on here for news

 

[Embu]

Obviously like everyone else I'd be delighted to hear the news we're all waiting for but let's not get ahead of ourselves.
Remember Esha did give birth to a live calf last year but struggled with being a first time mum, maybe Tara(if she has given birth) has struggled as well.
Tara has no living relatives(AFAIK) in the herd so even though Noorjahan would be supportive(I'm guessing) things may still have gone wrong. Blackpool are doing the right thing keeping schtum atm

 

[Pertinax]

Tara has no living relatives(AFAIK) in the herd so even though Noorjahan would be supportive(I'm guessing) things may still have gone wrong. Blackpool are doing the right thing keeping schtum atm

Or given the sad outcomes of last year after a big publicity build-up, things could be going well but they are just being very cautious about releasing the news. We just don't know, or even if there is a calf at all. Something sounds afoot though. I guess Tara's only relative is halfsister Karishma now at Chester.

 

[Jambo]

. I guess Tara's only relative is halfsister Karishma now at Chester.

I think Embu was referring to those within Blackpool's herd specifically. But Tara does have other half siblings aside from Karishma via Chang; Assam and Po Chin, who have gone on to sire calves, adolescent bull Tom in France and three younger half sisters, two in Belgium and one in Denmark.

 

[Embu]

I think Embu was referring to those within Blackpool's herd specifically. But Tara does have other half siblings aside from Karishma via Chang; Assam and Po Chin, who have gone on to sire calves, adolescent bull Tom in France and three younger half sisters, two in Belgium and one in Denmark.

Sorry, yes I was referring to within the herd(apologies my bad for explaining it). Also referring to the fact that Tara was Tonzi's only offspring so the fact her mother died years ago & with no immediate siblings/aunts. Fingers crossed that if she has given birth/due that the other females will support her

 

[Pertinax]

Sorry, yes I was referring to within the herd(apologies my bad for explaining it). Also referring to the fact that Tara was Tonzi's only offspring so the fact her mother died years ago & with no immediate siblings/aunts. Fingers crossed that if she has given birth/due that the other females will support her

Your post was perfectly understandable that you meant just within the Blackpool group, I just added about Karishma as I remember when they were both born at Twycross.

 

[Embu]

Finally some amazing news. Literally just announced & copied off social media

Historic moment as endangered elephant calf is born

We are absolutely thrilled to announce that Tara gave birth to a healthy female calf at 10:30pm on Tuesday, 2nd September. The team has named her Zaiya, which is of Burmese origin and means strength.

After years of strategic planning, preparations had been made in order to carefully manage and mitigate challenges that may arise during pregnancy, birth and the postnatal care surrounding such a rare event.

This knowledge, along with the close positive relationships the team have with the herd, meant that when the baby was born and had difficulty suckling, they were able to act quickly.

They provided vital support for the first-time mum, expressing milk from her to ensure the calf received the necessary colostrum that is essential to provide antibodies that are rich in nutrition to help to protect newborns.

Since the birth, the keepers have provided 24-hour monitoring and support and will continue to do so in the coming months.

The indoor house has been closed to allow privacy to the herd, enabling them to develop crucial bonds with its newest member. It is set to gradually reopen from Saturday, 27th September, between 11.30am and 2.30pm.

 

[Zorro]

Finally some amazing news. Literally just announced & copied off social media

Historic moment as endangered elephant calf is born

We are absolutely thrilled to announce that Tara gave birth to a healthy female calf at 10:30pm on Tuesday, 2nd September. The team has named her Zaiya, which is of Burmese origin and means strength.

After years of strategic planning, preparations had been made in order to carefully manage and mitigate challenges that may arise during pregnancy, birth and the postnatal care surrounding such a rare event.

This knowledge, along with the close positive relationships the team have with the herd, meant that when the baby was born and had difficulty suckling, they were able to act quickly.

They provided vital support for the first-time mum, expressing milk from her to ensure the calf received the necessary colostrum that is essential to provide antibodies that are rich in nutrition to help to protect newborns.

Since the birth, the keepers have provided 24-hour monitoring and support and will continue to do so in the coming months.

The indoor house has been closed to allow privacy to the herd, enabling them to develop crucial bonds with its newest member. It is set to gradually reopen from Saturday, 27th September, between 11.30am and 2.30pm.

Wonderful news at last

 

[Ryley]

Finally some amazing news. Literally just announced & copied off social media

Historic moment as endangered elephant calf is born

We are absolutely thrilled to announce that Tara gave birth to a healthy female calf at 10:30pm on Tuesday, 2nd September. The team has named her Zaiya, which is of Burmese origin and means strength.

After years of strategic planning, preparations had been made in order to carefully manage and mitigate challenges that may arise during pregnancy, birth and the postnatal care surrounding such a rare event.

This knowledge, along with the close positive relationships the team have with the herd, meant that when the baby was born and had difficulty suckling, they were able to act quickly.

They provided vital support for the first-time mum, expressing milk from her to ensure the calf received the necessary colostrum that is essential to provide antibodies that are rich in nutrition to help to protect newborns.

Since the birth, the keepers have provided 24-hour monitoring and support and will continue to do so in the coming months.

The indoor house has been closed to allow privacy to the herd, enabling them to develop crucial bonds with its newest member. It is set to gradually reopen from Saturday, 27th September, between 11.30am and 2.30pm.

Welcome to the world, Zaiya

 

[catfan]

Finally some amazing news. Literally just announced & copied off social media

Historic moment as endangered elephant calf is born

We are absolutely thrilled to announce that Tara gave birth to a healthy female calf at 10:30pm on Tuesday, 2nd September. The team has named her Zaiya, which is of Burmese origin and means strength.

After years of strategic planning, preparations had been made in order to carefully manage and mitigate challenges that may arise during pregnancy, birth and the postnatal care surrounding such a rare event.

This knowledge, along with the close positive relationships the team have with the herd, meant that when the baby was born and had difficulty suckling, they were able to act quickly.

They provided vital support for the first-time mum, expressing milk from her to ensure the calf received the necessary colostrum that is essential to provide antibodies that are rich in nutrition to help to protect newborns.

Since the birth, the keepers have provided 24-hour monitoring and support and will continue to do so in the coming months.

The indoor house has been closed to allow privacy to the herd, enabling them to develop crucial bonds with its newest member. It is set to gradually reopen from Saturday, 27th September, between 11.30am and 2.30pm.

Just been on TV on Local Granada News during GMB

 

[wunderswift]

Finally some amazing news. Literally just announced & copied off social media

Historic moment as endangered elephant calf is born

We are absolutely thrilled to announce that Tara gave birth to a healthy female calf at 10:30pm on Tuesday, 2nd September. The team has named her Zaiya, which is of Burmese origin and means strength.

After years of strategic planning, preparations had been made in order to carefully manage and mitigate challenges that may arise during pregnancy, birth and the postnatal care surrounding such a rare event.

This knowledge, along with the close positive relationships the team have with the herd, meant that when the baby was born and had difficulty suckling, they were able to act quickly.

They provided vital support for the first-time mum, expressing milk from her to ensure the calf received the necessary colostrum that is essential to provide antibodies that are rich in nutrition to help to protect newborns.

Since the birth, the keepers have provided 24-hour monitoring and support and will continue to do so in the coming months.

The indoor house has been closed to allow privacy to the herd, enabling them to develop crucial bonds with its newest member. It is set to gradually reopen from Saturday, 27th September, between 11.30am and 2.30pm.

So over the moon for them!!! Such amazing news for everyone involved, especially sweet Tara

 

[ChiChi]

Historic moment as endangered elephant calf is born b

We are absolutely thrilled to announce that Tara gave birth to a healthy female calf at 10:30pm on Tuesday, 2nd

September. The team has named her Zaiya, which is of Burmese origin and means strength.

After years of strategic planning, preparations had been made in order to carefully manage and mitigate challenges that may arise during pregnancy, birth and the postnatal care surrounding such a rare event. This knowledge, along with the close positive relationships the team have with the herd, meant that when the baby was born and had difficulty suckling, they were able to act quickly.

They provided vital support for the first-time mum, expressing milk from her to ensure the calf received the necessary colostrum that is essential to provide antibodies that are rich in nutrition to help to protect newborns. Since the birth, the keepers have provided 24-hour monitoring and support and will continue to do so in the coming months.

The indoor house has been closed to allow privacy to the herd, enabling them to develop crucial bonds with its newest member. It is set to gradually reopen from Saturday, 27th September, between 11.30am and 2.30 pm.

 

[Jambo]

Finally some amazing news. Literally just announced & copied off social media

Historic moment as endangered elephant calf is born

We are absolutely thrilled to announce that Tara gave birth to a healthy female calf at 10:30pm on Tuesday, 2nd September. The team has named her Zaiya, which is of Burmese origin and means strength.

After years of strategic planning, preparations had been made in order to carefully manage and mitigate challenges that may arise during pregnancy, birth and the postnatal care surrounding such a rare event.

This knowledge, along with the close positive relationships the team have with the herd, meant that when the baby was born and had difficulty suckling, they were able to act quickly.

They provided vital support for the first-time mum, expressing milk from her to ensure the calf received the necessary colostrum that is essential to provide antibodies that are rich in nutrition to help to protect newborns.

Since the birth, the keepers have provided 24-hour monitoring and support and will continue to do so in the coming months.

The indoor house has been closed to allow privacy to the herd, enabling them to develop crucial bonds with its newest member. It is set to gradually reopen from Saturday, 27th September, between 11.30am and 2.30pm.

Amazing news!! It's great to see the news confirmed after there was speculation surrounding a potential birth over this last week on the forum.

It's wonderful news for Blackpool too - being their first surviving calf in zoo history, after the tragic loss of the first two in infancy last year. I'm sure the keepers are stoked.

I'm also overjoyed that Tara's delivered a healthy calf, following a thirteen year interval from her last birth (which was a stillborn).

Brilliant to have a female calf too, which will be crucial for Blackpool's herd succession, and will be important for the continuation of Tara's matriline in the long term. Tara's the only surviving offspring of her wildborn mother (Tonzi), so little Zaiya is very valuable too genetically.

 

[Pertinax]

Or given the sad outcomes of last year after a big publicity build-up, things could be going well but they are just being very cautious about releasing the news.

I am very pleased to say my instinct proved me correct on this one! Great news all around given the sad failures previously both at Blackpool and for Tara herself. Wish them all success.

 

[Yassa]

The calf is still not nursing from Tara and bottle-fed, which sadly mean that the prognosis for her survival is poor…

 

[Pertinax]

The calf is still not nursing from Tara and bottle-fed, which sadly mean that the prognosis for her survival is poor…

I was unaware of this part, only that they fed it colostrum after it was born.