After a 16 month wait, the Colchester
Zoo announced the birth of a female Southern White Rhinoceros calf to female Rhino
Emily on April 13.
This is the first Rhino calf to be born through a
natural mating at Colchester Zoo and is the first calf for Emily and male Rhino
Otto. Curator Sarah Forsyth said, “Emily is
proving to be a very protective but excellent mother and the calf is very
healthy and already building a close relationship with her keepers.”
Photo Credits: Colchester Zoo
Zoo keeper Jo Row expressed the excitement of the
staff. “This birth is brilliant news not just for Colchester Zoo but also for
conservation. It is a great privilege to be a part of the life of this new
arrival and we look forward to watching baby develop and grow!”
The calf, which has not yet been named, will be on
display for only short periods each day until she is introduced to the other
members of the zoo’s Rhino herd. She
will not be mixed with her father, Otto, for 4-6 months.
See more photos below the fold.
The Southern White Rhino is listed as Near Threatened
by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Due to the current
poaching crisis, this birth is vital to the survival of this species and
Colchester Zoo is proud to be part of conserving this magnificent mammal.
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