An newborn female southern white rhino calf is now exploring the San Diego Zoo Safari Park's 60-acre African Savanna —running, playing and curiously getting close to Cape buffalo that share her habitat—all under the watchful eye of her protective mother.
The calf, yet to be named, was born in the early hours of Aug. 22 to first-time mom Kianga, and father J Gregory.
"We are delighted to welcome this calf to the Safari Park's crash of southern white rhinos," San Diego Zoo Safari Park Executive Director Lisa Peterson said. "Babies are always delightful—cute and fun to watch grow—but more importantly, they serve as ambassadors for their species. Seeing a rhino up close allows our guests to connect with them, with the hope they gain a greater appreciation for them, and the vitally important need to conserve and protect rhinos and their native habitats."
Wildlife care specialists report the calf is healthy and nursing well, and Kianga is proving to be an excellent mother, who is very attentive to her offspring. Estimated to weigh around 125 pounds at birth, the little rhino will nurse from her mother for up to 12 months; and she is expected to gain about 100 pounds a month for the first year. When full grown, at around 3 years of age, she could weigh between 4,000 to 5,000 pounds.
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