Dublin Zoo has announced the birth of a baby rhino.
The yet-to-be-named female calf was born on January 2nd, and is the newest member of a seven-strong herd.
She weighs an estimated 50 kilos and is part of the zoo's African Savanna.
New Arrival
A statement from the zoo says: "Dublin Zoo is delighted to announce the birth of a Southern white rhinoceros calf. The female calf, born on January 2nd 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.
"The yet-to-be-named youngster is Nyala’s second calf and the birth marks another significant success for Dublin Zoo as part of the European Endangered Species Programme, established to assist with the survival of the Southern white rhinoceros.
"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."
🦏 NEWBORN ANNOUNCEMENT / THE ONE WITH THE RHINO CALF 🦏
Dublin Zoo is celebrating the first birth of 2023, a Southern white rhinoceros calf! The female calf, born on January 2nd to mother Nyala, is estimated to weigh approximately 50kg. pic.twitter.com/QyXJwxaagK— Dublin Zoo (@DublinZoo) February 9, 2023
Extinction Fears
Helen Clarke-Bennett, team leader of the African Plains says: "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."
