Werribee Open Range Zoo is celebrating the arrival of a Southern white rhino calf – the first calf of this threatened
species to born at the zoo in almost a decade.
First-time mother Kipenzi gave birth just before 4am on Tuesday, March 21 to the female calf who weighs just over 60 kilograms.
The birth follows a 16-month pregnancy during which Kipenzi and her calf’s health has been carefully monitored by zoo
veterinarians and zookeepers.
Following the birth, keepers observed an absence of healthy bonding, with the calf not thriving as expected during the
important first hours of infancy. After consultation with the zoo’s veterinary team, the calf was brought to the zoo’s vet
clinic for medical checks and supplementary feeding.
Werribee Open Range Zoo director Dr Mark Pilgrim said the calf is being provided with around-the-clock feeds of colostrum obtained from its mother.
“The calf’s health has begun to improve, and it is now in the process of being reintroduced to mum,” Dr Pilgrim said.
“However, it will continue to remain under veterinary care during these critical early days.
Keepers and vets are additionally monitoring the post-birth health of Kipenzi to ensure she is being provided with the
highest quality care. This includes daily check-ups and observations via remote installed cameras.
The birth of the calf is a major milestone for the zoo and the conservation of Southern white rhinos in the Australasian
region. Currently they are listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List with their population in decline. There is an
estimated 10,080 remaining in the wild with significant threats including poaching and the illegal trading of rhino horn.
