The Bedford Estates, LondonHappy Mother’s Day! This year, Woburn Safari Park is celebrating not just the incredible mothers of the animal kingdom but also the vital conservation and charity work that helps protect endangered species for future generations.
As an EAZA-accredited zoo, Woburn Safari Park plays a crucial role in conservation efforts, working closely with breeding programmes to help safeguard vulnerable and critically endangered species. Keepers at the Park work to care and protect for these animals, to bring hope for the future of these species.
But first… let’s celebrate some of the mums
In late 2024, the Park welcomed Djembe, a critically endangered Eastern Mountain Bongo calf. His mother, Othaya, has been caring for him, ensuring he grows strong and confident. Othaya herself comes from a remarkable family she has a twin sister, Odongo, an extremely rare occurrence in antelope species.
With fewer than 100 eastern mountain bongo left in the wild, Othaya’s role as a mother is crucial in helping secure the future of her species.
Also in the Road Safari, Tawa became a proud mum to Yana, a Somali wild ass foal. Somali wild ass are a critically endangered species, making every birth a major conservation success. Tawa has been a protective and devoted mother, and while Yana is growing up fast, she can still be seen sticking close to her mum.
In the Foot Safari, Asian short-clawed otter Beatrix has been busy raising three new pups. As the smallest otter species in the world, they face significant threats in the wild, making every birth vital for their survival. Beatrix, already a mother to last year’s pup, Thiên thần, has once again shown her incredible dedication, helping her little ones explore and develop key skills.
While there have been many exciting births at the Park in recent months, today is all about celebrating all the incredible mothers at the Park. From Rita the Bactrian camel and Savannah the Rothschild’s giraffe to Phoenix the North American black bear and Gizmo the Guianan squirrel monkey, these devoted mums (and many more!) are being honoured by their keepers today.
With these and many other important births at the Park, Woburn Safari Park continues its vital conservation efforts, helping to protect endangered species for generations to come.
Supporting conservation beyond the park
Conservation doesn’t stop at Woburn. The Park’s dedicated keepers also work tirelessly to raise funds for wildlife charities and projects, ensuring that endangered species continue to be protected in their natural habitats.
Katie Chapman, Head of Conservation and Research, helps coordinate fundraising efforts with the keeper teams, organising events throughout the year to support species such as tigers, elephants, penguins, bongos, and more.
Over the past eight years, Woburn Safari Park has raised more than £200,000 for conservation projects worldwide. These funds help support essential research and habitat protection all of which contribute to increasing wild populations and improving their IUCN Red List classifications.
How you can get involved
By visiting Woburn Safari Park, guests are directly supporting these important conservation efforts. Every ticket helps fund the care of endangered species at the Park, while also indirectly contributing to global initiatives protecting wildlife in their natural habitats.
Keep an eye out for upcoming charity events throughout the year and follow Woburn Safari Park’s latest conservation news - it’s through collective efforts that we can help secure brighter futures for these incredible species and celebrate many more Mother's Days.