One-Month-Old Rhino Calf Ventures Outdoors for the First Time

A rhino calf, aged one month, has made its initial venture into its outdoor paddock. Whipsnade Zoo, located in Bedfordshire, characterized the calf’s birth on 2 October as an “important step forward” for the preservation efforts of southern white rhinos. This particular breed faces threats in its natural habitat, with an estimated population of only 17,500 individuals remaining, primarily due to factors such as poaching, the reduction of habitat, and climate change. The young rhino has now joined its half-brother, Benja, who was born in March. Keepers at the zoo noted that the calf had “well and truly found his feet.” According to Keeper Michael Hepher, the calf has been “tearing around the paddock” and is exhibiting increasing confidence and curiosity daily. Hepher added, “We’ve seen him chasing the antelope, and having great fun getting covered in mud, a favourite pastime of all our rhinos here at Whipsnade Zoo.” Hepher further stated, “We’ve been waiting for a relatively warm and dry day to let the calf into the great outdoors for the first time, so the stars really had to align for that to happen in November.” The calf’s name will be selected by visitors via the zoo’s official website, from a predetermined list comprising Khulu, Garamba, Darwin, or Nkosi.