Dublin Zoo has announced the birth of a Southern white rhinoceros calf.
The female calf, born on January 2 to mother Nyala, is estimated to weigh approximately 50kg.
The calf joins her father, Chaka, and half-brother, Fionn, as the newest member of the seven-strong herd, also known as a crash, in Dublin Zoo's African Savanna.
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Over the next few weeks, lucky visitors can catch a glimpse of mother and calf through the window of the Rhino House or out on the Savanna, where the pair have already developed a loving bond.
Nyala is very attentive to the new arrival, and her calf can often be seen right by her side as she builds confidence and explores her new surroundings.
Southern white rhinos are the largest of the rhino species and the third largest land mammal species in the world after African and Asian elephants.
Southern white rhinos can weigh up to 2.3 tonnes. Their horns are made of keratin, the same material as skin, nails and hair.
Speaking on the new arrival, Helen Clarke-Bennett, team leader of the African Plains said: “Our team is thrilled to welcome the arrival of another Southern white rhinoceros calf to Dublin Zoo.
“These animals were on the verge of extinction in the 20th century, and there are only approximately 16,000 of them left in the world today.
“Nyala is a very attentive mother, and it is wonderful to watch the pair develop their amazing bond as the days go on. The calf is cautious and stays quite close to her mother, however, we can already see glimpses of her outgoing personality and look forward to watching her integrate with the herd at Dublin Zoo.”
This species got their name ‘white’ rhinoceros from a mispronunciation of the Afrikaans word for ’wide’ and refers to their wide, flat mouth which has adapted for grazing.
Southern white rhinoceros have poor eyesight but have acute senses of hearing and smell.
Dublin Zoo currently takes part in a European breeding programme for southern white rhinos.
Since 2009, Dublin Zoo has been supporting the Lowveld Rhino Trust in Zimbabwe, which is involved with treating wounded and orphaned rhinos, catching poachers, monitoring rhino populations and community outreach programmes.
It is estimated that 16,000 of these animals exist in the wild and the majority are found in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Kenya.
All funds received by Dublin Zoo including gate takings, donations and sponsorships are directly invested into the day to day management, running and upkeep of Dublin Zoo’s animals, their habitats and conservation projects.
Dublin Zoo is managed by caring, qualified and accredited zoo professionals who devote their lives to the welfare of animals at Dublin Zoo.
Dublin Zoo is open seven days a week from 9.30am- 5pm. For further information on Dublin Zoo visit www.dublinzoo.ie.
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