The Wilds Welcome Second Rhinoceros Calf For This Year

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: December 24, 2020 6:20 pm

The southern white rhinoceros calf born at The Wilds

Photo Credit: Amanda Carberry | Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

The Wilds in Ohio, USA is celebrating the birth of a second rhino for this month. Southern white rhinoceros Kali gave birth to her calf, a male in the early hours of Friday, December 18th 2020. The birth occurred in a heated barn at the zoo.

Keepers at the conservation facility report that mother and calf are bonding well. Kali is a first time mom and is said to be very attentive to her calf.

“Welcoming our second white rhinoceros calf this month truly is a wonderful gift. These little ambassadors for their species will touch your heart when you come to visit us for a Winter at The Wilds tour! Thanks to our community’s support, we can continue our important conservation work with threatened and endangered species, and continue inspiring others to take action to help make a positive difference in our world,” said Dr. Jan Ramer, vice president of The Wilds.

Father Roscoe is an experienced dad having fathered six calves. He has lived at The Wilds since 2014 having been born at Seneca Park Zoo.

The southern white rhinoceros calf born at The Wilds

Photo Credit: Amanda Carberry | Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

The Wilds is the only facility outside of Africa to have bred rhinos which are fourth and fifth generation removed from their wild ancestors.

“We are extremely proud of the success of our white rhino program at The Wilds. The multigenerational herd is a true testament to our Animal Management team’s expertise and the great care they provide to the animals. White rhinos continue to face many challenges in their native range, and the arrival of each calf is truly a cause for celebration. Each birth is vital in protecting the future of the species,” said Columbus Zoo and Aquarium President/CEO Tom Stalf.

They have experienced great success in breeding rhinos having bred both greater one-horned and southern white rhinoceroses. This is the 32nd rhino born at The Wilds since they opened in 2004.

The southern white rhinoceros calf born at The Wilds

Photo Credit: Amanda Carberry | Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

This calf follows the birth of another rhino calf on December 9th to mother Kifaru and father Roscoe. Kifaru and her calf are growing well with the two calves and their mothers set to be introduced soon.

At present both calves are unnamed and will be named in the future.

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Southern white rhino are threatened in the wild by hunting mainly to obtain their horn for use in traditional medicines. They can be found in Africa. Females are pregnant for 16 months.

The Wilds support the conservation of wild rhinoceros populations through providing funds.

The southern white rhinoceros calf born at The Wilds

Photo Credit: Amanda Carberry | Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Learn more about the southern white rhinoceros here – Southern White Rhino | The Animal Facts

Learn more about The Wilds on their website – The Wilds