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ASHEBORO, N.C. — The North Carolina Zoo is excited to announce the birth of a southern white rhino, the first born at the Zoo in 41 years. The female calf was born Monday, July 2, to mother Linda and father Stormy. The calf weighed approximately 80-90 pounds and will be named at a later time. She will join the herd on the habitat and on view to the public as soon as possible.

Zookeepers report she is healthy, nursing and developing normally. They expect her to gain 100 pounds a month in the first year. She could weigh anywhere from 3,500 to 5,500 pounds when fully grown.

The Zoo’s 40-acre Watani Grasslands expansion – completed in 2008 – was created specifically for a breeding rhino herd, making this birth a dream come true for the Zoo. The Zoo has had rhinos since 1976 and is part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) to keep a sustainable population of southern white rhinos under human care. It’s also involved in global conservation efforts to save this species.

“Congratulations to the North Carolina Zoo on this important birth of a southern white rhino.  The Zoo’s efforts to save this species are yet another example of the leadership role the Zoo plays in conserving important species both at home and around the world,” said Susi H. Hamilton, secretary of the N.C. Dept. of Natural and Cultural Resources.

"Every birth at the North Carolina Zoo is special and this one particularly so,” said Pat Simmons, executive director of the Zoo. “With each new rhino born, it is a success story for this species as a whole. The Zoo is committed to being part of conservation initiatives both within the zoo community and internationally in order to ensure the survival of this species."

Southern white rhinos were hunted to near extinction by the beginning of the 20th century for their horns, which some erroneously believe provide medicinal benefits. Rhino horn is constructed from keratin which is the same material that makes up human fingernails and hair.

Today, populations in the wild still face significant threats from poaching and habitat loss.  In addition to their work with the rhinos at the North Carolina Zoo, staff work on projects in several countries in Southern Africa to protect wild rhinos from poaching and save the species from extinction.   

“When people visit our rhino family they get the chance to see truly unique animals in one of the largest, most natural habitats for this species in the world,” continued Simmons. “But the rhinos here at the North Carolina Zoo are also ambassadors for their wild cousins. Visiting the Zoo supports our efforts to help save this species in the wild.”

The threat faced by wild rhinos is very real. The closely-related northern white rhino was declared effectively extinct just this year when the last male died, leaving only two females.

The Zoo’s herd consists of Stormy and females Linda, Kit, Natalie and Abby on habitat. Two older rhinos, Stan (male) and Olivia (female) live in an off-viewing retirement habitat. 

The second-largest land mammal after elephants, rhinos are pregnant anywhere from 16-18 months (elephants are pregnant for approximately 24 months). A female rhino will only give birth every two to five years. At full maturity, a southern white rhino will have two horns, grow to 12-13 feet long and up to 6 feet from hoof to shoulder, and weigh 4,000 to 5,000 pounds. They can live 40-50 years and run at impressive speeds of up to 30 miles per hour.

These gentle giants are herbivores and graze on grass, which helps maintain the diverse African grasslands, increase plant diversity and provide grazing areas for other animals that share their natural habitat: the savannahs of Africa. They have a similar diet at the Zoo, getting most of their food while grazing the 40 acres of the Watani Grasslands Reserve.

About the North Carolina Zoo:
At the North Carolina Zoo, we celebrate nature. As the world’s largest natural habitat Zoo, we inspire a lifelong curiosity about animals for the hundreds of thousands of people who visit our Zoo each year. Our dedicated team of experts provides exceptional, compassionate care for the more than 1,600 animals and 52,000 plants that call our Park home. We also lead efforts locally and globally to protect wildlife and wild places because we believe nature’s diversity is critical for our collective future. The North Carolina Zoo invites all of our guests to witness the majesty of the wild in the heart of North Carolina and welcomes everyone to join in our mission to protect nature’s diversity. Visit NCZoo.org to begin your life-changing journey.

About the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources:
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (NCDNCR) is the state agency with a vision to be the leader in using the state’s natural and cultural resources to build the social, cultural, educational and economic future of North Carolina. NCDNCR’s mission is to improve the quality of life in our state by creating opportunities to experience excellence in the arts, history, libraries and nature in North Carolina by stimulating learning, inspiring creativity, preserving the state’s history, conserving the state’s natural heritage, encouraging recreation and cultural tourism, and promoting economic development.

NCDNCR includes 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, two science museums, three aquariums and Jennette’s Pier, 39 state parks and recreation areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the nation's first state-supported Symphony Orchestra, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, State Preservation Office and the Office of State Archaeology, along with the Division of Land and Water Stewardship. For more information, please call 919- 807-7300 or visit www.ncdcr.gov.

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CONTACT:

Debbie Foster Fuchs
336-879-7204 
debbie.fuchs@nczoo.org