Southern White Rhino Duo Debut at the Maryland Zoo

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: April 6, 2021 1:05 am

A southern white rhinoceros in its new enclosure at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore

Photo Credit: The Maryland Zoo

The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore have announced the arrival of two big new arrivals, a pair of southern white rhinoceros. The two males arrived at the zoo in November and underwent a 30 day quarantine period. Since this ended they have been acclimating to their new home and animal care team.

The two southern white rhinoceros are four years old and came from a private facility which is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) based on a recommendation from the White Rhino Species Survival Plan (SSP).

A southern white rhinoceros in its new enclosure at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore

Photo Credit: The Maryland Zoo

“These two young rhino are very agile, intelligent animals,” said Erin Grimm, mammal collection and conservation manager at the Zoo. “Since their arrival, it’s been important to acclimate them not only to their new caregivers, but also to the climate here in Baltimore.”

“They have since had exposure to our winter weather in small increments, however it’s been far too cold this winter to properly introduce them to the full scope of the African Watering Hole. We have been eagerly anticipating warmer weather so we can familiarize them with the habitat.”

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In the African waterhole habitat they will live alongside zebra and ostrich. White rhinoceros have been part of this exhibit since it opened in 1992.

“These two have never seen zebra or ostrich before, so initial introductions with these animals has not yet begun, but will take place slowly after the rhino are acclimated to the Watering Hole,” continued Grimm.”

“We will be rotating animals in and out of the habitat, so it’s hard to say definitely when guests will be able to see the rhinos right now. We ask folks to be patient while we make certain that all the animals are comfortable sharing the same space on a daily basis.”

A southern white rhinoceros in its new enclosure at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore

Photo Credit: The Maryland Zoo

Southern white rhinoceros are listed as “near threatened” on the IUCN red list. They have increased in number since the early 20th century when they were thought to be extinct. Their future is still not guaranteed with demand for their horn fueling poaching.

A southern white rhinoceros in its new enclosure at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore

Photo Credit: The Maryland Zoo

Learn more about the Southern White Rhinoceros here – Southern White Rhinoceros Fact File | The Animal Facts

Learn more about the Maryland Zoo on their website – Maryland Zoo