Little Rhino Calf Joins the Family at The Wilds

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: December 12, 2020 5:48 pm

The southern white rhinoceros calf at The Wilds

Photo Credit: Grahm S. Jones/ The Wilds

A female southern white rhinoceros calf was delivered in the safety of a heated barn at the Wilds in Ohio, United States during the early hours of December 9th 2020. The calf was born after a 16 month gestation period.

Nine year old mother Kifaru, who was also born at the Wilds gave birth to the calf and the pair have been bonding well. Kifaru is a first time mom and is said to be very attentive to her calf.

Father Roscoe, 16 years old, is a well experienced father having welcomed five calves. He has lived at The Wilds since 2014.

The southern white rhinoceros calf with mom at The Wilds

Photo Credit: Grahm S. Jones/ The Wilds

The calf is currently unnamed but the zoo reports she will be named soon. This is the 23rd white rhino calf born at The Wilds since their first one arrived in 2004. The Wilds also have a successful breeding program for the Asian one horned rhino with 31 total rhino calves born across the two species.

Kifaru and Roscoe were paired to breed through a breeding recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan® (SSP). This program works to ensure genetic diversity within the captive rhinoceros population.

The southern white rhinoceros calf at The Wilds

Photo Credit: Grahm S. Jones/ The Wilds

“Wildlife conservation is a top priority for our organization, and we’re extremely proud of the contributions we’re making to help protect the future of rhinos and other threatened and endangered species. The arrival of this calf symbolizes hope and also inspires us as we’re reminded that our work is making a difference,” said Columbus Zoo and Aquarium President/CEO Tom Stalf.

“The birth of a rhinoceros calf is always cause for celebration! Rhinos continue to face many threats in their native range, and every rhino is crucial to the population. This calf joins The Wilds’ herd of important ambassadors – through them we can continue to connect our guests with these wonderful animals, and try to inspire everyone to take action to help,” said Dr. Jan Ramer, vice president of The Wilds.

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Numbers of southern white rhinoceroses in the wild dropped as low as 50-200 individuals at the start of the 20th century. Following conservation efforts their numbers have increased to over 20,000. Poaching still continues to threaten them driven by the trade in rhino horn for use in traditional medicines.

Along with their captive breeding projects The Wilds have contributed over US$200,000 to support conservation for the rhinoceros in the wild over the last 5 years.