15 Best Safari Park Instagram Posts of 2015

If you already follow the Safari Park on Instagram, we can’t thank you enough. Without passionate supporters like you, our mission to lead the fight against extinction would be impossible. If you don’t follow the Safari Park on Instagram, you’re not only missing out on great animal content, but also the chance to help save species. From notable births and conservation successes to the death of our beloved Nola, 2015 was a big year, but our ambition to empower the world to save wildlife is even bigger. Have a look at the Park’s best posts of the year and follow us to join the fight.

A lion’s thick mane protects his neck against raking claws during fights with other males for membership and rank in the pride. They also provide hours of fun for little cubs. ? #animalfact #catsofinstagram #lionking #lions #cute #bigcat #cat #sdzsafaripark

A photo posted by San Diego Zoo Safari Park (@sdzsafaripark) on Feb 4, 2015 at 5:05pm PST

Cheetah cub (Ruuxa) cuddling a cheetah stuffed animal… can you think of anything cuter? Tell us in the comments. ? #throwback #instalove #cute #cheetah #cheetahcub #baby #sdzsafaripark #tbt

A photo posted by San Diego Zoo Safari Park (@sdzsafaripark) on Feb 26, 2015 at 5:52pm PST

Why do so many people look up to giraffes? Besides the obvious reason, they are a wonderful example of nature’s creativity. #giraffe #cool #creative #nature #instagood #follow #shoutout to @iloveshanimals for this month’s fan #photo feature. Tag your pics w/ #sdzsafaripark for a chance to be featured.

A photo posted by San Diego Zoo Safari Park (@sdzsafaripark) on Feb 28, 2015 at 12:21pm PST

From the archive, March 12, 2007: A clumsy African #elephant calf named Impunga stumbles into our hearts. ? #tbt #throwback #instacute #smile #sdzsafaripark

A video posted by San Diego Zoo Safari Park (@sdzsafaripark) on Apr 16, 2015 at 6:18pm PDT

We couldn’t help ourselves. #JurassicWorld #JurassicZoo #sdzsafaripark #RaptorSquad

A photo posted by San Diego Zoo Safari Park (@sdzsafaripark) on Jun 17, 2015 at 3:58pm PDT

#tbt A tower of affection. Wild populations of #giraffes have dropped by 40% in the past 15 years. These iconic creatures are slipping away in silence. We’ve had a total of 134 Ugandan giraffes, 23 reticulated giraffes and 2 Masai giraffes born at the Safari Park. Mark your calendars on Sunday, June 21 for World Giraffe Day. #wildlife #conservation #EndExtinction

A photo posted by San Diego Zoo Safari Park (@sdzsafaripark) on Jun 18, 2015 at 5:13pm PDT

This lanky #giraffe calf debuted in East Africa yesterday. Help us welcome Congo to the herd! He’s 6 ft. tall, weighs approximately 200 lbs., and was named after the river in #Africa. ?

A photo posted by San Diego Zoo Safari Park (@sdzsafaripark) on Jul 7, 2015 at 3:58pm PDT

#tbt A big baby requires a big bottle. ? When Chutti arrived at our Animal Care Center, he was watched around-the-clock, bottle-fed every two hours, and taken outdoors for exercise. After a few months of TLC, our greater one-horned rhino calf graduated from the nursery and now lives in the East Boma.

A photo posted by San Diego Zoo Safari Park (@sdzsafaripark) on Jul 2, 2015 at 6:54pm PDT

This edition of #tongueouttuesday is brought to you by Chutti the #rhino. ?

A video posted by San Diego Zoo Safari Park (@sdzsafaripark) on Aug 18, 2015 at 4:42pm PDT

Great news! #California has officially passed AB 96, which prohibits the sale of #elephant ivory AND #rhino horn. In thanks for her efforts, we presented Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins with an original piece by Nola. #EndExtinction

A photo posted by San Diego Zoo Safari Park (@sdzsafaripark) on Sep 10, 2015 at 4:00pm PDT

A little ray of sunshine arrived on Tuesday. Her name is Kianga and she’s the 94th southern white #rhino born at our facility. Guests can get a glimpse of the calf, her mom, and the rest of the herd from our Africa Tram or Caravan Safaris. #nature #cute #baby #EndExtinction

A photo posted by San Diego Zoo Safari Park (@sdzsafaripark) on Oct 16, 2015 at 3:25pm PDT

#tbt When Ruuxa met his #puppy pal Raina ? + ? = ❤️

A video posted by San Diego Zoo Safari Park (@sdzsafaripark) on Nov 12, 2015 at 5:12pm PST

It is with profound sadness we announce that 41-year-old Nola, one of only 4 remaining northern white rhinos, has died. Nola, who lived here since 1989, was under veterinary care for a bacterial infection, as well as age-related health issues. In the last 24 hours, Nola’s condition worsened and the animal care team made the difficult decision to euthanize her. We’re absolutely devastated by this loss, but resolved to fight even harder to ‪#EndExtinction. We ask you to join us in that fight. Please share your memories of Nola and your condolences with the ‪#Nola4Ever‬ hashtag, and let this be a warning of what is happening to wildlife everywhere. ‪#RIP sweet girl. You will be deeply, dearly missed.

A photo posted by San Diego Zoo Safari Park (@sdzsafaripark) on Nov 22, 2015 at 10:11am PST

Another day at the office. #GirafficPark #GiraffesInTheMist (pic by keeper Amanda Chapin)

A photo posted by San Diego Zoo Safari Park (@sdzsafaripark) on Dec 5, 2015 at 9:56am PST

This belly isn’t going to rub itself! After months of veterinary care, this little one is a healthy 17lbs. and getting stronger every day. He can be seen in the Animal Care Center from 9:30-11:20am and 3-3:45pm.

A photo posted by San Diego Zoo Safari Park (@sdzsafaripark) on Dec 2, 2015 at 3:57pm PST

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Matt Steele is senior social media planner for San Diego Zoo Global. Read his previous post, The Longest Tongues in the Animal Kingdom.