San Diego Zoo Safari Park has announced the birth of a rare white rhinoceros calf. The calf is only the second of its kind to be born at the zoo. The calf’s mother and father have been under the zoo’s care for several years. The southern white rhinoceros calf was born on 29 April and weighed around 100 pounds. The white rhinoceros is a near-threatened species, with the Southern sub-species, which the calf belongs to, critically endangered. The zoo’s breeding programme for southern white rhinoceroses aims to increase the population of these rare animals.
Rare White Rhino Born at San Diego Zoo Safari Park
There’s great news for animal lovers everywhere as the San Diego Zoo Safari Park has welcomed a rare white rhinoceros calf to their family. This is an incredible achievement for the zoo, as the calf is only the second of its kind to be born in the park’s history.
The calf was born to mother Kacy and father Maoto, both southern white rhinoceros who have been under the care of the zoo for several years. The calf was born on April 29, 2021, and weighed around 100 pounds.
What Makes the White Rhino Unique?
The white rhinoceros, also known as the square-lipped rhinoceros, is one of the two African rhino species. Contrary to its name, the white rhino is actually gray in color and is differentiated from its cousin the black rhinoceros by its wide and square lips, which it uses to graze. The white rhinoceros is the second-largest land mammal after the elephant, and can weigh up to 2,700 kg.
Sadly, the white rhinoceros is listed as a near-threatened species, with only around 18,000 remaining in the wild. In addition, the Southern sub-species is critically endangered, with less than 2,000 individuals remaining in the wild.
It is for this reason that the birth of this white rhino calf is a cause for celebration, as it will go a long way in preserving the species.
What Happens Now?
The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is home to a breeding program for southern white rhinoceroses, which is aimed at increasing the population of these rare animals. In the wild, white rhinos can live for 40-50 years, so there’s a good chance that Kacy’s calf will be around for a long time.
The calf will stay with its mother for the next few months, feeding on its mother’s milk until it’s strong enough to eat grass. A team of animal specialists will be monitoring the calf and its mother closely, ensuring that both are in good health.
The Safari Park is also home to two other southern white rhinoceroses, female Taylor, and male Edward. These animals have been successfully bred, with Edward siring his second calf earlier this year. With three southern white rhinoceroses in the park, there are hopes that this will further increase the population of these animals.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about the rare white rhino born at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.
Q: How rare is the white rhinoceros?
A: The white rhinoceros is a near-threatened species with only around 18,000 remaining in the wild. The Southern sub-species, which is what Kacy’s calf belongs to, is critically endangered, with less than 2,000 individuals remaining in the wild.
Q: What is the breeding program for southern white rhinoceroses?
A: The San Diego Zoo Safari Park has a breeding program for southern white rhinoceroses aimed at increasing the population of these rare animals. The program involves pairing male and female southern white rhinoceroses and monitoring their mating and pregnancy progress. The goal is to have healthy and successful births that will contribute to the conservation of the species.
Q: How long will the calf stay with its mother?
A: The calf will stay with its mother for several months, feeding on its mother’s milk until it’s strong enough to eat grass.
Q: What will the calf eat?
A: The calf will initially feed on its mother’s milk until it is strong enough to eat grass.
Q: What is being done to preserve the white rhinoceros species?
A: Zoos and conservation organizations around the world are working to increase the population of white rhinoceroses through breeding programs and anti-poaching efforts. Poaching is a major threat to the species, and efforts are being made to reduce the demand for rhinoceros horns, which are valued for their supposed medicinal properties.
