Taronga Western Plains Zoo has announced the birth of a female Southern Black Rhino calf.
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The baby girl was born on Tuesday, April 11 and is the third generation of Black Rhino to be born at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo.
The calf – yet to be named – is the first offspring for mother Kufara.
“This is the fourth calf born in the past 12 years to the Zoo’s internationally renowned breeding program for this critically endangered species,” Keeper Linda Matthews said.
The calf weighed in at approximately 25 – 30 kilograms at birth and is quite active, following closely behind mother Kufara.
“All five rhino species remaining in the wild are under enormous pressure to survive,” Linda said.
“Every birth is critical and hopefully this calf further highlights the need to protect these remarkable species.
“Both mother and calf are doing well. Kufara is very cautious and protective of her calf which is a natural behaviour for a first time mother.
“We are really happy with the maternal behaviours Kufara is displaying, she is very attentive and ensuring her calf suckles frequently which is all very positive.”
Kufara and her calf will remain behind-the-scenes for the coming weeks where they can continue to strengthen their bond, before going on public display in late June.
There are currently around 4200 Black Rhinos in the wild facing an ongoing threat of poaching. In recent years it has escalated due to the rising demand for their horn, which is used in Asian medicine and is a symbol of status.
Taronga actively supports conservation efforts for wild rhinos in Africa, Indonesia and India, including providing funds and support for habitat protection and reforestation, anti-poaching and rhino protection units and reduction of human-rhino conflict. Taronga is also a founding member of the International Rhino Foundation.
Taronga Western Plains Zoo is home to three species of rhino – Black Rhino and White Rhino conservation programs for all three species.