The calf is the first white rhino to be born at Africa Alive.
The Zoological Society of East Anglia (ZSEA) has welcomed its first ever southern white rhino at Suffolk's Africa Alive zoo.
Born to parents Njiri and Zimba, the rhino calf was born at 6.45pm on Saturday 18 December, and is reportedly 'doing well'.
Africa Alive's head of living collections Graeme Williamson, said: “We are absolutely thrilled about our new arrival at Africa Alive. This is the first time white rhinos have ever been bred at Africa Alive, so the birth of this calf truly is a little miracle.
“Njiri and her baby are doing well, but she is a first-time mum and we are monitoring her closely.
“Pregnant white rhinos will leave their group (or crash) shortly before the birth and will stay apart for a few days afterward. To replicate this natural behaviour, we set up a ‘birthing suite’ for Njiri away from the other rhinos which is monitored closely through CCTV cameras.”
Claudia Roberts, CEO at ZSEA, added: “This is a very exciting step forward in the conservation of this species and we are over the moon to have our first white rhino calf born at Africa Alive.
“Our commitment to conservation remains at the forefront of everything we do here at ZSEA with many exciting conservation projects happening across both of our zoos, including our most recent partnership with Tusk – a prolific African wildlife conservation charity."
Images (C) ZSEA
With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.
