Sakura, Scimitar-horned Oryx kept at African Zone Tama Zoo was born on March 29, 2014, and has been growing well along with Bush, the son of Bloom, who was born two weeks earlier. However, on May 12, Sakura's mother, Saffron, died of illness.

・ "Goodbye, Saffron Scimitar-horned Oryx." (May 13, 2014)

Sakura should still be nursing, but because her mother fell ill and she could no longer breastfeed, she started eating grass and solid feed much earlier than usual. She was weaned earlier than Bush, who was born earlier.

However, since not drinking breast milk, which contains the necessary nutrients for growth, could negatively affect her development, we decided to give her cow's milk powder. Because Sakura has grown so big, we can't give her milk in a bottle, so we sprinkle the powder on her favorite green grass and solid feed. She was wary of the powder and didn't eat it right away, but she started to eat it after we continued to give it to her every day. Currently, she is also eating solid feed for weaning cows, and we are trying to adjust her feed to provide as much nutritional value as possible as a substitute for breast milk.

Currently, its horns are growing, and its body color is gradually changing from the brown it was when it was born to the white of an adult.

Sakura is often seen sleeping peacefully next to Bush, with whom she lives. Bush's mother, Bloom, doesn't nurse Sakura, but she doesn't chase her away either, and they get along well. When you visit the park, please be sure to see these three animals, who are like a family.

Please note that the three animals are usually out in the small exercise area near the center of the enclosure, but they may not be visible depending on the weather or their health condition.

Photo above: (from left) Sakura, Bush, Bloom
Photo below: Solid feed covered with powdered milk and green grass

[Tama Zoo, Tama Zoological Park]

(June 20, 2014)