Fez — Morocco has recorded its first-ever giraffe birth after a female calf was born over the weekend at Dream Village, a zoo located between Casablanca and Mohammedia, near the forest of Chellalat.
The newborn giraffe, a female reported to be in good health, represents an unprecedented event for Morocco and a significant step toward local conservation and breeding of the species.
Veterinary teams at the park are closely monitoring the calf to ensure its healthy development during the critical early stages of life.
Parents brought from Italy as part of conservation efforts
The giraffe’s parents, Sophie, aged five, and Paco, aged nine, were imported from Italy around five years ago as part of a broader initiative to establish protected breeding populations in Morocco. Both animals are now considered part of the country’s protected wildlife heritage.
Giraffes typically have a gestation period of about 15 months, in line with what was observed in this case. According to specialists, the calf is expected to remain with its mother for more than a year, which is the natural period for nursing and early learning.
Reducing reliance on animal imports
Commenting on the birth, Dream Village’s general director Mohamed Amgharfaoui said the event aligns with the park’s long-term strategy.
“Giraffes are among the most sought-after animals in zoos worldwide, and waiting lists to acquire them are often very long,” he said. “This birth is part of a strategy to develop local breeding rather than relying entirely on imports.”
Until now, Dream Village hosted the only female giraffes in the country. With the arrival of the newborn, Morocco’s giraffe population now stands at four females: three at Dream Village and one at Aïn Sebaâ Zoo, which is also expected to launch its own breeding program.
Toward sustainable giraffe populations in Morocco
The long-term goal, according to park officials, is to establish two separate breeding groups — one at Dream Village and another at Aïn Sebaâ Zoo — to ensure the sustainable presence of giraffes in Morocco. The newborn calf will remain at Dream Village, where it is already contributing to the enrichment of the country’s protected animal heritage.
Dream Village is currently also responsible for managing Aïn Sebaâ Zoo in Casablanca, which reopened to the public at the end of December after several years of closure. The management falls under a 20-year agreement with the Casablanca City Council.
