Salam is the second southern white rhino calf born at Dubai Safari Park since 2024.
Dubai Safari Park has welcomed a new southern white rhino calf. The male calf, named Salam, was born on March 1, 2026, to mother Olive. He weighed 73.5 kg at birth and is healthy under the care of the park’s zoological team.
Salam means “peace” in Arabic. The park said the name reflects a moment of hope at a time of regional uncertainty. The calf has already reached early milestones, standing, walking, and suckling under close supervision.
He is the second white rhino born through the park’s endangered species breeding programme, following Onyx in 2024.
The southern white rhino is classified as Near Threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The IUCN estimates around 15,700 remain in the wild, with numbers in decline. The park said each birth within a managed breeding programme carries weight given those figures.
Dubai Safari Park’s endangered species breeding programme focuses on supporting vulnerable populations. It works through partnerships with wildlife institutions both locally and internationally.
Muna Alhajeri, Director of Dubai Safari Park, described the birth as a milestone shared with conservation advocates worldwide. “Salam is a reminder of positivity to all of us to stay strong in our continuous efforts, for conservation and in our day-to-day lives,” she said. She added that the birth reflects the role of the park’s breeding programme in supporting at-risk animal populations.
For now, Salam is bonding with Olive in a nursery den, where he receives extra bedding, food, and monitoring from the park’s zoologists.
Dubai Safari Park Wildlife Conservation and Visitor Access
Dubai Safari Park first opened in 2018. It now houses more than 3,000 animals from 300 species. The seventh edition of the park opened in October 2025 under the theme “Wild Rules,” with six themed zones that visitors can explore on foot or by shuttle train.
The park is a member of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. According to the park, a portion of every ticket purchase goes toward wildlife rescue, care, and research.
Salam is expected to make his public debut for visitors next year.
Stay tuned for more updates and news!
