Move over, influencers. Dubai Safari Park has a real diva in town, and she’s not on TikTok. Meet Dalia, the giraffe with legs for days, a neck that could reach the clouds, and a soft spot for salad. This gentle giant just turned 25, and yes, there was a cake… made of cucumbers, carrots, and enough lettuce to start a vegan food truck.
Dubai Safari’s Long-Necked Queen Gets the Royal Treatment
Dalia isn’t just any giraffe. She’s the oldest one in the park, and honestly, she walks like she owns the place. Born on April 9, 2000, at the old Dubai Zoo, Dalia has lived through relocations, habitat upgrades, and the rise of TikTok and she’s still unbothered, unfazed, and unfailingly fabulous.
As a reticulated giraffe, a species currently listed as endangered with fewer than 11,000 left in the wild, Dalia’s story is as rare as it is remarkable. Out of two calves born that day, she was the only survivor. Her dad came from Qatar, her birth was cheered by wildlife expert Dr Reza Khan, and she’s basically been the Beyoncé of the savannah ever since.
From Zoo Baby To Safari Queen
Dalia moved to Dubai Safari Park when it opened, trading zoo walls for vast, open habitats. The park houses over 3,000 animals and prides itself on high-end creature comforts we’re talking enrichment programmes, round-the-clock care, and a fancy in-house vet hospital. It’s basically a five-star resort with a few extra feathers and hooves.
There, Dalia blossomed into a leader. Her keeper, Amos Ikere, who knows how to read giraffe body language like it’s Shakespeare, says she’s a mentor. No loud grunts or tail flicks from her; she communicates with gentle nudges and deep giraffe eye contact. She teaches younger giraffes to chill when visitors stare too long or wave iPhones in their faces. A true icon.
What’s impressive isn’t just her age (which in giraffe years is quite something), but how gracefully she’s handled the spotlight. Her birthday bash was low-key yet touching a leafy cake, some affectionate pats from the keepers, and a quiet celebration with her herd. Dalia’s vibe? Less drama, more dignity.
A Toast to the Tallest Trailblazer
Let’s be honest not every animal gets this kind of press. But Dalia’s life reminds us that conservation wins aren’t always loud or flashy. Sometimes, it’s just about one giraffe living well, teaching others, and enjoying her birthday cake in peace.
Dubai Safari Park continues to push for species preservation and animal welfare. Dalia stands (quite literally) as proof that when we give animals the space, care, and love they deserve, they thrive and they age with grace, salad, and style.
So here’s to Dalia: Queen of the Savannah, lettuce enthusiast, and giraffe of our hearts. Long may she nibble.
Cover Image Courtesy: Dubai Safari Park/ Instagram