Baby Boom at Pairi Daiza: Over 80 Animals Born in 2025
Pairi Daiza, Belgium’s park full of wonders and once again awarded ‘Best Zoo in Europe’ in 2024, proudly and emotionally celebrated more than 80 births this spring — including the arrival of playful capybaras, a lively elephant calf, an energetic lioness, and a strong little rhino.
These little miracles reflect Pairi Daiza’s devotion and love for nurturing and protecting diverse animal species.
"Look at the mothers with their young. Tenderness always looks the same — in any form, place or time. In the eyes of newborn animals, you recognize that first gaze that seeks love, even before they know what love is." Eric Domb, founder and president of Pairi Daiza.
Two Capybara's
On the banks of the Dender in Cambron Abbey, in the shadow of the oldest building on the Pairi Daiza site — the Saint Bernard Tower dating back to 1148 — new life was born on Wednesday, July 2: two capybara's saw the light of day!
As the youngest members of the world’s largest rodent family, they are now taking their first wobbly steps in a familiar, natural environment.
A Special and Moving Moment for the Asian Elephants at Pairi Daiza
On Saturday, June 14 at 9:28 AM, a magical moment unfolded in The Kingdom of Ganesha. Farina, one of Pairi Daiza’s Asian elephants, gave birth to a healthy elephant calf.
The birth took place in a serene and protected environment, surrounded by the warm presence of the other herd members.
From the very first moment, mother Farina displayed her maternal instincts by gently touching her newborn with her foot — a signal to help the calf take its first breath. After a few attempts, the little one stood up shakily and took its first sip of nourishing mother’s milk.
The birth was closely monitored from start to finish by the veterinarians and caretakers, who watched over both mother and calf with great care and dedication.
The calf was named Siam, a name chosen by the public through an online vote on Pairi Daiza’s official Facebook page. Siam is Farina’s fifth calf.
A few days after his birth, Siam took his very first steps in the large outdoor habitat of the Asian elephants — a major milestone in his development.
Under the watchful eye of mother Farina and the rest of the herd, he cautiously explored his surroundings. Each step was still a bit unsteady, but full of confidence, as he felt the soft ground beneath his feet and inhaled the fresh outdoor air. He immediately became a visitor favorite.
Two Remarkable Births in the African Heart of Pairi Daiza — and an Exceptional Pregnancy.
Recently, The Land of Origins, the African section of Pairi Daiza, became the joyful stage for two special births.
First came Nova — a rare baby rhinoceros whose arrival brings new hope for the future of her endangered species. Thanks to the loving care of her keepers, Nova can grow up safely and confidently, destined to become a proud ambassador for her majestic kind.
By the end of January, we shared the news about Nala, a playful lion cub, born in November 2024 who took her very first cautious steps under the watchful eyes of her parents. Curiously exploring her indoor and outdoor habitat, she is gradually developing her natural instincts through play and observation.
Pairi Daiza is also looking forward to a third special moment: Juul, one of the park’s giraffes, is expecting. Her pregnancy was announced on May 24 and is expected to come to term by the end of September. At this time, the keepers are gently training her to become familiar with ultrasound equipment, ensuring proper monitoring in the final stages of gestation.
The Giraffa camelopardalis, native to sub-Saharan Africa, is currently listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN. According to IUCN data, Africa’s giraffe population has declined by approximately 40% over the past 30 years — a trend often referred to as a “silent extinction,” due to the lack of public attention compared to more iconic species like elephants or rhinos.
From Dusk to Dawns of New Life in the Abbey Farmhouse
A true baby boom is also underway in the renovated Abbey Farm. Numerous young guinea pigs, Flemish Giants, goat kids, and lambs have been born — including Milky, the eye-catching Walliser Schwarznase lamb.
With his distinctive black snout and soft, curly fleece, he instantly captures the hearts of both young and old.
The young animals frolic happily in the sun, creating a warm and lively atmosphere that visitors thoroughly enjoy.
Those staying overnight in the Farmhouse Lodges can watch this new life unfold from their private terrace at sunset.
Visitors Helped Choose the Names of Several Animals
Nova, Milky, Nala, Siam... the Pairi Daiza communities on Facebook helped choose each of these names, based on suggestions from their caretakers.
This is also how Magnus, the musk ox, and Cléo and Aliénor, the reindeer, got their names.
The newborn sloth may soon follow in their footsteps — and receive the name Tornade.
Johan Vreys