Australasian Rhino Population

[Zoofan15]

Mind you ..., rhinos are fairly selective over their mates (like some other pachyderm species ... too!) and require a compatible pairing. Now it is quite clear this is not the case, hence the solution is fairly simple, yet highly effective: Either animal/collection-curatorial management move out the current breeding bull Kruger and/or allow cow Imani to be paired with another more suitable / compatible bull (either here or at another collection)!

I agree a number of Southern white rhinoceros herds in the region would benefit from a shake-up, which has been proven to enhance breeding success of non-performing rhinos time and time again.

Hamilton Zoo are currently at capacity with 2.4 adults. A couple of years ago they subdivided their large paddock to accommodate the rhinos in three groupings:

1.0 Kruger (1989) Wild x Wild

1.0 Samburu (2016) Kruger x Kito

0.1 Moesha (1994) Wild x Wild
0.1 Kito (2000) Wild x Mazithi
0.1 Imani (2007) Zambezi x Caballe
0.1 Zahra (2020) Kruger x Kito

Last year, there was an unsuccessful attempt to transfer Samburu to Orana Wildlife Park, which in itself was interesting as it indicates the South African imports won’t be happening anytime soon. If that remains the case, I would be tempted to consider transferring Samburu and Imani to Orana Wildlife Park with the intention of breeding Samburu with Tamu and Imani. Worst case scenario, Imani would fail to breed and would merely add one female to the main herd.

Nyah at Auckland Zoo turns five years old this year and is already cycling. To avoid delay, it would appear preferable to export her to Australia where she can join a breeding herd ASAP. Dubbo could be a good choice with multiple unrelated bulls; and only one reproductively viable cow. Her sister is two years younger, so there’s more time to make a decision. Hamilton Zoo are planning an expansion of their facilities in the next couple of years, so in the event they transferred Imani and Samburu out; and Kruger passed on, they would be left with 0.3 rhinos and could accomodate both Amali from Auckland Zoo and a new breeding bull - who could then breed with Amali and Zahra.

Auckland’s future plans are open to interpretation beyond them already stating Nyah will be transfered out. It’s reasonable to believe Amali will too considering estrus suppression between mothers and daughters. This would leave Auckland with their breeding pair and young son, born 2024. Zambezi is 33 years old, so one of many options would be for his son to succeed him as breeding bull a decade from now, with Australian bred cows imported in the next 5-10 years. It’s admittedly a conservative approach given Auckland will be expanding their capacity significantly; but in the interim, they breed their pair for a fourth calf or even accomodate non-breeding surplus from Hamilton Zoo.

Auckland’s current herd:

1.0 Zambezi (1992)
0.1 Jamila (2012)
0.1 Nyah (2020) Zambezi x Jamila
0.1 Amali (2022) Zambezi x Jamila
1.0 Zuka (2024) Zambezi x Jamila

 

[Zoofan15]

Thanks for the updates! That's an amazing photo of the rhinos. Zuka already looks to be growing fast and getting stronger!

Since Zuka is a male, I wonder if the intention is for the zoo to retain him as Zambezi's successor and import more females in the future. As you've mentioned, Nyah will almost certainly be transferred out as she's related to all New Zealand's bulls, and Amali also when she is old enough. With Zambezi being genetically valuable, Zuka would be a great future asset to the breeding programme.

I agree it’s a strong possibility that Zuka could remain at Auckland Zoo to one day replace Zambezi as the zoo’s breeding bull.

Auckland Zoo have indeed stated Nyah will be transferring out and since she’s related to all bulls in New Zealand, I assume she’ll be headed for Australia - perhaps Dubbo, who only have one viable cow; and multiple bulls who are unrelated to Nyah. I imagine Amali will follow in transferring out as estrus suppression is notoriously rife in mother/daughter dyads. As mentioned above, Hamilton could be an option for the latter cow given there’s more time to work with.

Whether Zambezi and Jamila have a fourth calf is an unknown, but it’s not hard to imagine given no calves will be forthcoming from Zambezi’s first four offspring (with Caballe). He’s getting on in years, but could easily live another 5-10 years, during which time another two cows could be brought in (with the expansion into the elephant paddock).

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

I agree it’s a strong possibility that Zuka could remain at Auckland Zoo to one day replace Zambezi as the zoo’s breeding bull.

Auckland Zoo have indeed stated Nyah will be transferring out and since she’s related to all bulls in New Zealand, I assume she’ll be headed for Australia - perhaps Dubbo, who only have one viable cow; and multiple bulls who are unrelated to Nyah. I imagine Amali will follow in transferring out as estrus suppression is notoriously rife in mother/daughter dyads. As mentioned above, Hamilton could be an option for the latter cow given there’s more time to work with.

Whether Zambezi and Jamila have a fourth calf is an unknown, but it’s not hard to imagine given no calves will be forthcoming from Zambezi’s first four offspring (with Caballe). He’s getting on in years, but could easily live another 5-10 years, during which time another two cows could be brought in (with the expansion into the elephant paddock).

I could easily see another breeding recommendation for Zambezi and Jamila, given their successful track record and Zambezi's valuable genetics. Also wondering if Nyah and Amali will transfer out as a pair when Amali is old enough or will be sent individually to separate zoos? Or the same zoo but in a different time frame?

 

[Zoofan15]

I could easily see another breeding recommendation for Zambezi and Jamila, given their successful track record and Zambezi's valuable genetics. Also wondering if Nyah and Amali will transfer out as a pair when Amali is old enough or will be sent individually to separate zoos? Or the same zoo but in a different time frame?

I’m anticipating they’ll go to seperate zoos as being related females, estrus suppression could still be an issue. It’s also a recommendation of the breeding programme for this species that females are placed into breeding situations promptly upon reaching reproductive age (at least by 7-8 years) so as not delay them in conceiving.

Cows that failed to conceive by their mid-late teens have historically had a poor reproductive outlook within the region (most never breeding); factoring in that long birth intervals and delayed breeding are detrimental to their reproductive health.

The document I read which outlined the above advice acknowledged the deviation in placing females in breeding situations irregardless of whether founders had been exhausted (the recommendation for males) as a result of their reproductive idiosyncracies.

 

[Jambo]

I could easily see another breeding recommendation for Zambezi and Jamila, given their successful track record and Zambezi's valuable genetics. Also wondering if Nyah and Amali will transfer out as a pair when Amali is old enough or will be sent individually to separate zoos? Or the same zoo but in a different time frame?

I could certainly see another recommendation given for a fourth and final calf from the pair (likely once at least Nyah is transferred out).

Zambezi is valuable wildborn founder and he only has four surviving offspring:
0.1 Imani (2007)
0.1 Nyah (2020)
0.1 Amali (2022)
0.1 Zuka (2024).

Imani turning eighteen this year without having produced a calf is worrying so it's effectively guaranteed both of Zambezi's next two daughters (Nyah and Amali) will enter breeding situations.

Their mum Jamila comes from relatively unrepresented lines too;

Her father Kruger has five additional offspring (discounting Jamila):
1.0 Kifaru (2009)
1.0 Ubuntu (2010)
0.1 Savannah (2011)
1.0 Samburu (2016)
0.1 Zahra (2020).

The latter two still remain in their natal herd at Hamilton. 'Ubuntu' is currently in a bachelor herd and the other two are in breeding situations. Kifaru's the only one to have breed - producing 1.0 Jabulani (2023) at Werribee.

Kifaru at Werribee in fact is her only full sibling - and her mother Moesha's only other offspring. Considering Moesha hasn't breed since Jamila it's likely she is now post reproductive so there's obviously been a concentrated effort to get offspring from her remaining two offspring.

In regards to potential destinations, Dubbo does seem the obvious. However I do note Werribee will also be sending two of their post reproductive cows to Perth this year which will hopefully make space for the arrival of additional cows. Both Nyah and Amali are related to Kifaru (Werribee's breeding bull). However Altina's a facility that perhaps needs change considering three valuable rhinos who are all now entering their teens without any breeding success thus far. One option is to send Altina's two cows down to Werribee (following the transfer of the post reproductive duo to Perth) and then send Nyah/Amali up to Altina to be paired up with 1.0 Kei (2006) forming a single pair that should hopefully yield positive breeding results!

 

[Zoofan15]

I could certainly see another recommendation given for a fourth and final calf from the pair (likely once at least Nyah is transferred out).

Zambezi is valuable wildborn founder and he only has four surviving offspring:
0.1 Imani (2007)
0.1 Nyah (2020)
0.1 Amali (2022)
0.1 Zuka (2024).

Imani turning eighteen this year without having produced a calf is worrying so it's effectively guaranteed both of Zambezi's next two daughters (Nyah and Amali) will enter breeding situations.

Their mum Jamila comes from relatively unrepresented lines too;

Her father Kruger has five additional offspring (discounting Jamila):
1.0 Kifaru (2009)
1.0 Ubuntu (2010)
0.1 Savannah (2011)
1.0 Samburu (2016)
0.1 Zahra (2020).

The latter two still remain in their natal herd at Hamilton. 'Ubuntu' is currently in a bachelor herd and the other two are in breeding situations. Kifaru's the only one to have breed - producing 1.0 Jabulani (2023) at Werribee.

Kifaru at Werribee in fact is her only full sibling - and her mother Moesha's only other offspring. Considering Moesha hasn't breed since Jamila it's likely she is now post reproductive so there's obviously been a concentrated effort to get offspring from her remaining two offspring.

In regards to potential destinations, Dubbo does seem the obvious. However I do note Werribee will also be sending two of their post reproductive cows to Perth this year which will hopefully make space for the arrival of additional cows. Both Nyah and Amali are related to Kifaru (Werribee's breeding bull). However Altina's a facility that perhaps needs change considering three valuable rhinos who are all now entering their teens without any breeding success thus far. One option is to send Altina's two cows down to Werribee (following the transfer of the post reproductive duo to Perth) and then send Nyah/Amali up to Altina to be paired up with 1.0 Kei (2006) forming a single pair that should hopefully yield positive breeding results!

Hamilton Zoo are currently on a pause from breeding due to being at capacity and due to representation of the Kruger and Kito line, which has produced three surviving calves. Moesha would likely be non-viable as a breeder, 13 years after her last calf and while Imani’s refusal to breed with Kruger could be specific to Kruger (as opposed to her being a behavioural non-breeder), being nulliparous at 18 years means her chances of conceiving now are slim. Her mother (Caballe)’s future representation will likely come via her sons at Dubbo as her Australian born daughter (Savannah) has similarly yet to conceive a calf - which isn’t ideal considering she’s now in her mid-teens.

Hamilton’s new rhino facilities will begin construction this year, with a large barn serviced by six outdoor yards. This will enable them to hold a larger number of rhinos across multiple groupings and potentially receive more rhinos for breeding. Combined with Auckland’s expansion into the elephant exhibit, New Zealand’s holdings look set to increase, with or without the South African imports.

Hamilton Zoo’s current population:

Group One:

1.0 Kruger (1989) Wild x Wild

Group Two:

1.0 Samburu (2016) Kruger x Kito

Group Three:

0.1 Moesha (1994) Wild x Wild
0.1 Kito (2000) Wild x Mazithi
0.1 Imani (2007) Zambezi x Caballe
0.1 Zahra (2020) Kruger x Kito

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

Hamilton Zoo are currently on a pause from breeding due to being at capacity and due to representation of the Kruger and Kito line, which has produced three surviving calves. Moesha would likely be non-viable as a breeder, 13 years after her last calf and while Imani’s refusal to breed with Kruger could be specific to Kruger (as opposed to her being a behavioural non-breeder), being nulliparous at 18 years means her chances of conceiving now are slim. Her mother (Caballe)’s future representation will likely come via her sons at Dubbo as her Australian born daughter (Savannah) has similarly yet to conceive a calf - which isn’t ideal considering she’s now in her mid-teens.

Hamilton’s new rhino facilities will begin construction this year, with a large barn serviced by six outdoor yards. This will enable them to hold a larger number of rhinos across multiple groupings and potentially receive more rhinos for breeding. Combined with Auckland’s expansion into the elephant exhibit, New Zealand’s holdings look set to increase, with or without the South African imports.

Hamilton Zoo’s current population:

Group One:

1.0 Kruger (1989) Wild x Wild

Group Two:

1.0 Samburu (2016) Kruger x Kito

Group Three:

0.1 Moesha (1994) Wild x Wild
0.1 Kito (2000) Wild x Mazithi
0.1 Imani (2007) Zambezi x Caballe
0.1 Zahra (2020) Kruger x Kito

Thanks for this. I've noticed that Samburu is still at Hamilton - is there likely to be another attempt to transfer him to Orana, or has that plan been permanently scrapped?

 

[Zoofan15]

Thanks for this. I've noticed that Samburu is still at Hamilton - is there likely to be another attempt to transfer him to Orana, or has that plan been permanently scrapped?

The current plan is for Hamilton Zoo to retain Samburu. The zoo has recently purchased a 3.6ha property so the zoo are looking into accomodating him on that piece of land.

Samburu is likely the only one of the six rhinos at Hamilton Zoo that will breed in the future. His younger sister Zahra was diagnosed with Epidermolysis bullosa, which is a genetic decision, so I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s been removed from the breeding programme. I’ve heard nothing regarding plans to transfer her into a breeding herd as of yet. Hamilton Zoo’s director made specific reference to Samburu being of future value to the breeding programme (and the intention was for him to breed at Orana), so presumably there’s some level of confidence Samburu isn’t likely to pass this condition (which appears to be a recessive gene) on to his offspring.

 

[ApeLadyNZ]

The current plan is for Hamilton Zoo to retain Samburu. The zoo has recently purchased a 3.6ha property so the zoo are looking into accomodating him on that piece of land.

Samburu is likely the only one of the six rhinos at Hamilton Zoo that will breed in the future. His younger sister Zahra was diagnosed with Epidermolysis bullosa, which is a genetic decision, so I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s been removed from the breeding programme. I’ve heard nothing regarding plans to transfer her into a breeding herd as of yet. Hamilton Zoo’s director made specific reference to Samburu being of future value to the breeding programme (and the intention was for him to breed at Orana), so presumably there’s some level of confidence Samburu isn’t likely to pass this condition (which appears to be a recessive gene) on to his offspring.

Thanks for the update on Samburu - it will be exciting if both Hamilton and Auckland do extend their herds going forward. It's sad and disappointing to hear about Zahra's condition, and I hope Samburu will indeed be able to successfully sire offspring in future.

 

[Jambo]

The current plan is for Hamilton Zoo to retain Samburu. The zoo has recently purchased a 3.6ha property so the zoo are looking into accomodating him on that piece of land.

Samburu is likely the only one of the six rhinos at Hamilton Zoo that will breed in the future. His younger sister Zahra was diagnosed with Epidermolysis bullosa, which is a genetic decision, so I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s been removed from the breeding programme. I’ve heard nothing regarding plans to transfer her into a breeding herd as of yet. Hamilton Zoo’s director made specific reference to Samburu being of future value to the breeding programme (and the intention was for him to breed at Orana), so presumably there’s some level of confidence Samburu isn’t likely to pass this condition (which appears to be a recessive gene) on to his offspring.

A few questions;

Is the property adjacent to the zoo?

Also, does that mean that Kito likely won't be bred from again? I would assume the genes being passed down by her and not Kruger, however I could be wrong.

 

[Zoofan15]

A few questions;

Is the property adjacent to the zoo?

Also, does that mean that Kito likely won't be bred from again? I would assume the genes being passed down by her and not Kruger, however I could be wrong.

I just checked and in addition to the 3.6ha property (429 Rotokauri Road), I see Hamilton City Council additionally purchased 17 Bagust Street in 2022. Both properties are in very close proximity to the zoo and from the map appear to border the zoo’s off display paddocks. They’ll be a great asset to the zoo, even if luxury accomodation is the main plan for these properties.

To my knowledge, Kito won’t be breeding again. I’d say there’s a reasonable probability that Kruger and Kito both carry the recessive gene for this condition; while the other two cows Kruger has bred with (Caballe and Moesha) likely didn’t carry the gene. It’s clearly an uncommon gene within the captive population, so continued breeding from unaffected offspring shouldn’t be an issue (the odds of them being paired with a carrier are low); and in any case the condition doesn’t severely impair the offspring in any way. Using a simple punnet square for two heterozygous parents (what I suspect Kruger and Kito are) gives a 25% chance of one of their offspring being born within this condition; a 50% chance of their offspring carrying it (but not expressing it, as I suspect is the case for Kruger and Kito); and a 25% chance of the offspring being completely unaffected. Curiosity enough, 25% of their offspring (one of the four) presented with it!

 

[Erocco W]

Thanks for this. I've noticed that Samburu is still at Hamilton - is there likely to be another attempt to transfer him to Orana, or has that plan been permanently scrapped?

My friend has told me this has been scrapped due to Orana having an import ban due until incoming management can prove they can adequately care for the species there. This is because of the horrible horrible issues with this zoo that I have read about.

I am unsure why there seems to be such little concern on this lovely forum about it. I touched base with a former colleague after the news and it appears that it is an open secret that this place is perhaps the most poorly run facility in the region. Upon my most recent visit a few years prior I was not impressed whatsoever…

I am sure there will be never confirmation but that rhino importation will not be occurring via orana for the seeable future at least in my opinion.

~ E

 

[Zoofan15]

My friend has told me this has been scrapped due to Orana having an import ban due until incoming management can prove they can adequately care for the species there. This is because of the horrible horrible issues with this zoo that I have read about.

I am unsure why there seems to be such little concern on this lovely forum about it. I touched base with a former colleague after the news and it appears that it is an open secret that this place is perhaps the most poorly run facility in the region. Upon my most recent visit a few years prior I was not impressed whatsoever…

I am sure there will be never confirmation but that rhino importation will not be occurring via orana for the seeable future at least in my opinion.

~ E

The import ban is only for six months, so if requirements are satisfied, this could soon be resolved.

The deaths detailed in the media were unfortunate, but highly sensationalised by the media. Particularly unfair was the criticism of Orana for not announcing deaths, which is the same with just about every zoo in the region bar individuals that will be noticed if they’re not there anymore.

I visited Orana in June and was really impressed by the quality of their exhibits and the dedication of the staff. I don’t doubt there’s some issues they need to work through; but I’m confident lessons will be learned.

 

[Jambo]

My friend has told me this has been scrapped due to Orana having an import ban due until incoming management can prove they can adequately care for the species there. This is because of the horrible horrible issues with this zoo that I have read about.

I am unsure why there seems to be such little concern on this lovely forum about it. I touched base with a former colleague after the news and it appears that it is an open secret that this place is perhaps the most poorly run facility in the region. Upon my most recent visit a few years prior I was not impressed whatsoever…

I am sure there will be never confirmation but that rhino importation will not be occurring via orana for the seeable future at least in my opinion.

~ E

Yes, well I had essentially heard the same last year. It's unlikely we'll ever get an announcement of it being cancelled - but if you read between the lines you can see most of the zoos who were supposed to be apart of it are now no longer advertising it.

I wrote a lengthy post about Orana when the news broke. Obviously it's not my duty to ramble about them but I do agree from all I've heard that they've really struggled with a lot of things management wise in the past.

 

[Jambo]

The import ban is only for six months, so if requirements are satisfied, this could soon be resolved.

Unfortunately I would be surprised if this is any different come six months time. There's a lot that needs to be fixed at Orana that's not my duty to go into but Erroco is right from what I've heard.

It's fruitless; even once this whole thing is cleared up and Orana is allowed to import we're really going on 13/14 years since this whole import was initially announced. A lot of things change over time and it seems as more time goes on the more and more unlikely this gets.

 

[Zoofan15]

Unfortunately I would be surprised if this is any different come six months time. There's a lot that needs to be fixed at Orana that's not my duty to go into but Erroco is right from what I've heard.

It's fruitless; even once this whole thing is cleared up and Orana is allowed to import we're really going on 13/14 years since this whole import was initially announced. A lot of things change over time and it seems as more time goes on the more and more unlikely this gets.

It’s so unfortunate that the rhinos have to quarantine in New Zealand prior to being sent on to Australia as both Monarto and Dubbo would have been far better equipped to receive the rhinos.

The import has additionally been complicated by the restrictions by the SA government.

Ultimately, I’m losing confidence this will be eventuate. At least we have a number of breeding cows in the region, with a number of breeding recommendations being given of late. These calves will potentially fill the spaces allocated to these imports.

 

[Jambo]

Ultimately, I’m losing confidence this will be eventuate. At least we have a number of breeding cows in the region, with a number of breeding recommendations being given of late. These calves will potentially fill the spaces allocated to these imports.

We are indeed seeing an entire rejuvenation/reshuffling of the regional rhino population with a few moves made and more to come. I think in a few years time we will all hopefully be glad with where the regions at population wise.

Arguably this is a really good result for the future of the regional program. I'd much rather we make the most of our current population which is still quite valuable on a global level. We haven't even made the most of our South African imports from twenty five years ago yet!

 

[Erocco W]

The import ban is only for six months, so if requirements are satisfied, this could soon be resolved.

My understanding is there is a longer term import ban in place but it is not my place to share its details.

The deaths detailed in the media were unfortunate, but highly sensationalised by the media. Particularly unfair was the criticism of Orana for not announcing deaths, which is the same with just about every zoo in the region bar individuals that will be noticed if they’re not there anymore.

Whilst much of the reporting is very sensational sweetie the detailing around some of those deaths is upsetting in ways I cannot express.
Whilst I have found your interest and passion very consumable do not mistake it with expertise @Zoofan15. I do not know if you have worked in the zoo keeping industry but I have it on concrete authority that this place has had issues that will take time to prove their worth before any Zoological institution worth its salt within our region will transfer animals here. One quietly let go executive does not change things overnight.

Regardless I do not wish to badmouth any place as they all play an incredibly important role in my view. They will by all accounts make strides now with a a hill to climb and the inability to lock accreditation officials and government officials in cars when conducting inspections.

You have made me quite irritable so goodnight and take time to consider others viewpoints and their value to you especially when you don’t know the person behind them.

 

[Erocco W]

We are indeed seeing an entire rejuvenation/reshuffling of the regional rhino population with a few moves made and more to come. I think in a few years time we will all hopefully be glad with where the regions at population wise.

Arguably this is a really good result for the future of the regional program. I'd much rather we make the most of our current population which is still quite valuable on a global level. We haven't even made the most of our South African imports from twenty five years ago yet!

It’s given everyone a kick up the beeswax. This import has been dead for years this was just the nail in the coffin for us zoo fanatics

 

[Luke899]

Well that sucks...