The Environment and Natural Reserves Authority in Sharjah, UAE, announced the birth of the elephant named "Tarathoth," named after a wild plant associated with rainfall. This marks the second African Savannah elephant welcomed by the Sharjah Safari project, the largest of its kind outside Africa. The newborn joins the elephant "Samra," born at the beginning of last year, and becomes part of the African elephant group within the project.
The Chairwoman of the Environment and Natural Reserves Authority in Sharjah, H.E. Hana Saif Al-Suweidi, confirmed that the authority continues to enhance its leading position locally, regionally, and internationally in efforts to preserve biodiversity and protect and breed rare and endangered African species, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List.
The Chairwoman pointed out that with the second birth of an African Savannah elephant, Sharjah Safari aims to solidify its qualitative successes in breeding and adding various animals in different environments, which include birds, reptiles, mammals, and more, alongside elephants, African giraffe births, and the breeding of the rare Madagascan Betta fish.
She added that African Savannah elephants are the largest land mammals in the world, with their numbers continuously declining. Physically, they have large ears rich in blood vessels that help dissipate excess heat. Compared to forest elephants, Savannah elephants are larger, measuring between 4 to 5 meters in height and weighing between 4 to 7 tons. They feature a noticeable outward bend in their tusks and are primarily found in the southern plains of the Sahara Desert in Africa, residing in savanna regions and living up to 50 years, with a gestation period of 22 months and consuming up to 150 kg of food. These elephants differ from African forest elephants, which are smaller with nearly straight tusks and inhabit the forests of Central and West Africa.
It is noteworthy that Sharjah Safari is a vital and unique project that has reinforced Sharjah's economic, tourism, and environmental status since its opening in 2022 by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. The project serves as a primary destination for nature, wildlife, and environment enthusiasts, hosting 12 different environments inspired by Africa, covering an area of 8 square kilometers that represent life and terrains while mimicking real regions of the African continent.
