The reintroduction of scimitar-horned oryx in Tunisia began in the 1980s when European and North American zoos donated animals to Bou Hedma National Park. Since then, scimitar-horned oryx have been returned to four protected areas, with a total population of approximately 210 oryx as of 2022. Scimitar-horned oryx populations have now been re-established in Bou Hedma National Park, Sidi Toui National Park, Dghoumes National Park, and Oued Dekouk Nature Reserve. Teams visit each protected area several times per year to conduct surveys assessing population sizes and animal health. This project also supports personal development and increased capacity, offering PhD, training and research opportunities for students and volunteers, from both Tunisia and overseas.

Scimitar-horned oryx are listed as Extinct in the Wild under the IUCN Red List, and only survive today thanks to the work of zoos round the world, which have maintained a genetically secure insurance population. The scimitar-horned oryx became extinct in the wild in the early 1990s due to overhunting and habitat loss, including competition with livestock. In Tunisia, it is believed that the scimitar-horned oryx was extinct by 1906.

Dublin Zoo not only financially supports this reintroduction project, but we are also home to a herd of scimitar-horned oryx, which are part of the European Endangered Species Breeding Programme (EEP). The EEP population has been used to provide animals for this reintroduction project, and for projects in other countries throughout their native range. Dublin Zoo’s support for this project also supports the conservation and reintroduction of other threatened species in the region, such as the addax, North African ostrich, and slender-horned gazelle.