Leading conservation efforts to secure the future of one of the world’s rarest gazelles

We’re playing a pivotal role in preventing the slender-horned gazelle – one of the world’s rarest gazelles – from slipping into extinction, with fewer than 300 mature individuals left in the wild.

Once found across Algeria, Tunisia, Libya and Egypt, the slender-horned gazelle has now vanished from much of its historic range, with sightings now increasingly rare.

Head of Conservation Science at Marwell Wildlife, Dr Tania Gilbert, said: “This is a critical moment. Ten years ago, people were still reporting seeing them reasonably regularly, but in the last decade, those reports have dropped off dramatically and we believe that is down to hunting and disturbance.

“There’s little doubt that the species is on a trajectory towards extinction, but it’s not a hopeless case. We have the tools and the partnerships to change its future.”

Our work in Tunisia, including field surveys, community engagement, and support for animals under human care aims to strengthen the slender-horned gazelles’ managed population, secure safe habitats, work with communities to reduce hunting pressure, and ultimately enable future reintroductions to the wild.

Working closely with the Tunisian Forestry Department (the Direction Générale des Forêts), we have transformed the care and management for the species. Animals have been split into structured breeding groups in newly constructed animal spaces, veterinary care has been improved, food supplies stabilised and genetic sampling undertaken for the first time.

In Tunisia, a conservation breeding centre established in Sidi Toui National Park in 1999 continues to care for between 20 and 40 animals. A second conservation breeding centre has since been created at El Gonna National Reserve, with animals relocated from Sidi Toui.

Marwell keepers and vets have also travelled to Tunisia to deliver intensive training programmes, working side by side with local park guards and Tunisian veterinarians.

Dr Marie Petretto, Marwell’s Conservation Biologist in Tunisia, said: “Today, we have structured breeding groups, improved veterinary oversight and trained teams on the ground. These are practical steps, but they represent real hope for a species that was edging dangerously close to being lost.

“What makes this work so powerful is the strength of the partnership with the Tunisian authorities and local park teams. Conservation only succeeds when it is locally led and internationally supported. Together, we are building the skills, infrastructure and confidence needed to secure a future for the slender-horned gazelle.”

The ongoing conservation work is funded by Marwell’s fundraising efforts, visitors to the zoo as well as funding from Planckendael Zoo, Belgium, Fota Wildlife Park, Ireland, Fossil Rim Wildlife Center and Partnerships for Species, USA.

Building an animal habitat costs around £5,000. Veterinary care is roughly £200 per month. Food costs about £500 per month across both sites. A full week of professional training costs around £3,500.
“These are not huge sums in global conservation terms,” said Dr Gilbert. “But they make a massive difference.

Marwell Wildlife Zoologist and Coordinator for the Slender-horned Gazelle Population Management Programme Sophie Whitemore said: “Everyone who comes through our gates is supporting conservation, and it truly makes a difference. We’ve already seen what’s possible with the scimitar-horned oryx – a species no longer Extinct in the Wild, with Marwell playing a significant role in its recovery.

“In 2024, when we completed the first IUCN Green Status of Species assessment for the slender-horned gazelle, we officially classified the species as Critically Depleted. That outcome was a stark reminder how uncertain their future is, but it also strengthens our determination. We know recovery is possible when action comes early. With the continued support of our visitors and partners, we have a real opportunity – and responsibility – to act now for the slender-horned gazelle.”

Gazelle numbers in organisations such as zoos are also extremely low, with none now in European zoos, fewer than 150 in North America and only small numbers elsewhere.

Although you cannot see slender-horned gazelle at Marwell, the park is home to their close relative, the Dorcas gazelle, and the experts who work directly with the teams in Tunisia.

Marwell also works across the UK and globally to safeguard species including tigers, Grevy’s zebra, snow leopard, Przewalski’s horse, Polynesian tree snails, sand lizards, white-clawed crayfish and the scimitar-horned oryx.

If you’d like to support our vital conservation work, there are plenty of ways to get involved. Why not make a donation, adopt an animal, or become a volunteer?