North American AZA Southern White Rhino Population

A somewhat unrelated question, but how did white rhinos even end up outside of the AZA? Back in the days when people were just bringing megafauna over from Africa willy-nilly white rhinos were considered hard/impossible to breed in captivity, so I doubt they're descendants from back then. But I don't see how a non-AZA player could manage to import white rhinos in modern times either.
 
A somewhat unrelated question, but how did white rhinos even end up outside of the AZA? Back in the days when people were just bringing megafauna over from Africa willy-nilly white rhinos were considered hard/impossible to breed in captivity, so I doubt they're descendants from back then. But I don't see how a non-AZA player could manage to import white rhinos in modern times either.
They can be bought at auction in South Africa. And they can be bought from private land owners that have them. With enough money ....anything can be done
 
3 southern white rhinos were born at The Wilds in Ohio between August 2023 and February 2024 (besides the (0.1) reported earlier in the thread.

The Wilds
1.2 calves+ (so 1.3 in all) September 2023 thru February 2024 to be exact.


Is the Virginia Safari Park a part of the AZA population?
No, they are not part of the AZA. But glad they are successfully breeding from their 2 breeding cows. The small article also notes the rhino calves have also been integrated with and able to mingle with "our newest young imports which arrived in 2023" ..., whatever that is supposed to mean (new younger rhinos I guess, maybe more females????).

Confusing further...., the Viriginia Zoological Park in Norfolk is a member.
 
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Busch Gardens Tampa Florida
Everyone meet... Azizi! Thank you so much to all our fans who voted and helped to name our new baby rhino, and for all your excitement. Want to try and catch a glimpse of Azizi and Kisiri? Book a Safari or hop on the train as it passes through the Serengeti Plain!
 
The Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch in Texas had 2 babies within the past year:

A (0.1) named Truda born on November 17th, 2023.
A (1.0) named Rudy born on September 2nd, 2024.

Also, the facility imported (0.2) white rhinos named Agnes and Cora from Namibia.

https://www.wildliferanchtexas.com/news-truda
Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch's southern white rhino breeding program spawns second birth within one year
1K views · 34 reactions | It is our pleasure to introduce to you Cora and Agnes! We have imported these two magnificent females in a collaboration from Namibia, Africa. They... | By Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch | Facebook
This import of two white rhinos coincides with the 40 white rhinos imported from a private facility in Namibia. The guy from US imported 40 white rhinos that were split into 3 different ranches in Texas. They arrived around October 11 2024. Which in the second link you provided said they acclimated and arrived in November. The dates and location is almost the same.
N$20 million deal: 40 white rhinos from Namibia exported to the US.
 
The Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch in Texas had 2 babies within the past year:

A (0.1) named Truda born on November 17th, 2023.
A (1.0) named Rudy born on September 2nd, 2024.

Also, the facility imported (0.2) white rhinos named Agnes and Cora from Namibia.

https://www.wildliferanchtexas.com/news-truda
Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch's southern white rhino breeding program spawns second birth within one year
1K views · 34 reactions | It is our pleasure to introduce to you Cora and Agnes! We have imported these two magnificent females in a collaboration from Namibia, Africa. They... | By Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch | Facebook
NBWR is not AZA-accredited though.
 
This import of two white rhinos coincides with the 40 white rhinos imported from a private facility in Namibia. The guy from US imported 40 white rhinos that were split into 3 different ranches in Texas. They arrived around October 11 2024. Which in the second link you provided said they acclimated and arrived in November. The dates and location is almost the same.
N$20 million deal: 40 white rhinos from Namibia exported to the US.
I assume it is the Peace River facility?


The Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch in Texas had 2 babies within the past year:

A (0.1) named Truda born on November 17th, 2023.
A (1.0) named Rudy born on September 2nd, 2024.

Also, the facility imported (0.2) white rhinos named Agnes and Cora from Namibia.

https://www.wildliferanchtexas.com/news-truda
Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch's southern white rhino breeding program spawns second birth within one year
1K views · 34 reactions | It is our pleasure to introduce to you Cora and Agnes! We have imported these two magnificent females in a collaboration from Namibia, Africa. They... | By Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch | Facebook
Do you know - per chance - when the old pair (Cecil/Goliath and Bertha) passed away at the Natural Bridge ranch?

All in all the ranch now holds at least 2.5 individuals! They have acres of space to spare also ....


NBWR is not AZA-accredited though.
Bull Kutu was loaned out by San Antonio Zoo to NBWR and hence the facility is accredited by AZA, allthough not a member ... but the rival ZAA.
 
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