Australasian Rhino Population

[WhistlingKite24]

0.1 Southern White Rhino calf was born at Auckland Zoo on 24th September. The female has been named Amali and joins their current breeding pair - wild-born Zambezi and Hamilton-born Jamila and their female calf Nyah born in 2020: The Zoo welcomes rhinoceros calf Amali! | Auckland Zoo

 

[WhistlingKite24]

0.1 Kufara the South-central Black Rhino is currently pregnant at Taronga Western Plains Zoo! The calf is due March/April 2023: Zoo celebrating pregnancy of critically endangered black rhino

 

[WhistlingKite24]

0.1 Mopani the Southern White Rhino is pregnant currently as well at Taronga Western Plains Zoo. Confirmed on the zoo’s television show along with footage of black rhino’s Kufara pregnancy.

 

[WhistlingKite24]

0.1 Carrie the Southern White Rhino was recently transferred from Australia Zoo to Monarto Safari Park. She is currently in quarantine but will soon be introduced to the females - announced in their newsletter.

 

[Swanson02]

Monarto will not be receiving any cows from TWPZ for breeding with their bulls at this stage

 

[Zoofan15]

Monarto will not be receiving any cows from TWPZ for breeding with their bulls at this stage

That’s a shame. It appears we’re now resorting to inbreeding our black rhinoceros population - but a pairing between Induna (Monarto) and Bakhita (Dubbo) represents the only remaining unrelated pairing in the region.

At a minimum, Induna should be exchanged for a Dubbo bull; or Bakhita transferred to Monarto.

It doesn’t appear they’ll be any imports with the focus being on the upcoming Southern white rhinoceros import.

 

[Zorro]

That’s a shame. It appears we’re now resorting to inbreeding our black rhinoceros population - but a pairing between Induna (Monarto) and Bakhita (Dubbo) represents the only remaining unrelated pairing in the region.

At a minimum, Induna should be exchanged for a Dubbo bull; or Bakhita transferred to Monarto.

It doesn’t appear they’ll be any imports with the focus being on the upcoming Southern white rhinoceros import.

I find it amazing that two major zoos can’t find worldwide at least 1 unrelated cow which could be imported

 

[Zoofan15]

I find it amazing that two major zoos can’t find worldwide at least 1 unrelated cow which could be imported

Unfortunately, most captive facilities in the US focus on the Eastern subspecies (we hold the South-central), so importing from the wild or switching to the Eastern subspecies as well are our best options.

Dubbo in particular have a long and successful history with their herd, so are likely unwilling to deviate from this subspecies for the foreseeable.

 

[Zorro]

Unfortunately, most captive facilities in the US focus on the Eastern subspecies (we hold the South-central), so importing from the wild or switching to the Eastern subspecies as well are our best options.

Dubbo in particular have a long and successful history with their herd, so are likely unwilling to deviate from this subspecies for the foreseeable.

So where do they go from here now?. Perhaps they could import from South Africa they need a plan

 

[Zoofan15]

So where do they go from here now?. Perhaps they could import from South Africa they need a plan

That would be their best option and I'm hopeful something might follow the Southern white rhinoceros imports, which are scheduled for 2023, 2024 and 2025.

Black rhinoceros are of course less placid than their white counterparts, which has made import from the wild comparatively harder logistically.

 

[Zorro]

That would be their best option and I'm hopeful something might follow the Southern white rhinoceros imports, which are scheduled for 2023, 2024 and 2025.

Black rhinoceros are of course less placid than their white counterparts, which has made import from the wild comparatively harder logistically.

Perhaps a swap with one of the US zoos would be worth looking at, when we lost a few males from the original South African import several males were obtained from the US via the IRA.

 

[Jambo]

Perhaps a swap with one of the US zoos would be worth looking at, when we lost a few males from the original South African import several males were obtained from the US via the IRA.

The AZA has apparently been phasing out their South Central individuals for years now. Fort Worth (the main breeder and studbook holder) canned breeding over five years ago.

I think it would be in the best interests of both the US and Australia for all of the remaining South Central Black Rhinos (or at least those of breeding age), to be sent over here to Australia.

 

[Zoofan15]

Perhaps a swap with one of the US zoos would be worth looking at, when we lost a few males from the original South African import several males were obtained from the US via the IRA.

The AZA has apparently been phasing out their South Central individuals for years now. Fort Worth (the main breeder and studbook holder) canned breeding over five years ago.

I think it would be in the best interests of both the US and Australia for all of the remaining South Central Black Rhinos (or at least those of breeding age), to be sent over here to Australia.

I saw a comment that the South-central black rhinoceros population isn’t an AZA managed population. In any case, their main focus is on the Eastern black rhinoceros (26 holders).

It could indeed be an opportunity to take on unwanted black rhinos from the North American population, which would in turn free up those zoos to join the widely supported Eastern programme.

These are the nine North American holders (as of Feb 2021):

Abilene Zoo
Austin Savanna
Chehaw Park & Zoo
El Coyote Ranch
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Fossil Rim Wildlife Center
Fort Worth Zoo
Tanganyika Wildlife Park
White Oak Conservation Center

 

[IndianRhino]

While the AZA is indeed not managing the subspecies minor (so that they can focus on their michaeli population), there are a few aforementioned non-AZA holders that are actively breeding this subspecies (El Coyote Ranch being a big one). White Oak and Fossil Rim are also working to breed, but only White Oak has had success in recent years. However, there is a strong male bias in births in this subspecies (much like the michaeli population) so I doubt any females, which is what the Australian region seems to be in shortage of, would be chosen for export to Australia unfortunately.

 

[Zoofan15]

While the AZA is indeed not managing the subspecies minor (so that they can focus on their michaeli population), there are a few aforementioned non-AZA holders that are actively breeding this subspecies (El Coyote Ranch being a big one). White Oak and Fossil Rim are also working to breed, but only White Oak has had success in recent years. However, there is a strong male bias in births in this subspecies (much like the michaeli population) so I doubt any females, which is what the Australian region seems to be in shortage of, would be chosen for export to Australia unfortunately.

Bulls would still be welcome. We have four females - born 2002, 2010, 2017 and 2021 and only the eldest and youngest could be paired with an unrelated bull. The cow born 2017 is currently pregnant (to a related bull).

Cows are in equally high demand, but at this point I feel like they’d be willing to take what they can get.

 

[Zorro]

Bulls would still be welcome. We have four females - born 2002, 2010, 2017 and 2021 and only the eldest and youngest could be paired with an unrelated bull. The cow born 2017 is currently pregnant (to a related bull).

Cows are in equally high demand, but at this point I feel like they’d be willing to take what they can get.

Perhaps if there are surplus males in the US population some of these could be swapped or obtained. Also maybe investigating if any females could be sourced from South Africa

 

[Zoofan15]

Perhaps if there are surplus males in the US population some of these could be swapped or obtained. Also maybe investigating if any females could be sourced from South Africa

That'd be a good start. If the number of females I'd to remain static, it's probably best that all females (breeding) are held on site at Dubbo. They have the knowledge and expereince to get results, which is priority if imports of new females aren't on the horizon.

Potentially new holders could be useful in taking on surplus bulls - as Monarto are doing; bearing in mind the black rhinoceros is most suited to open range zoos.

 

[Zorro]

That'd be a good start. If the number of females I'd to remain static, it's probably best that all females (breeding) are held on site at Dubbo. They have the knowledge and expereince to get results, which is priority if imports of new females aren't on the horizon.

Potentially new holders could be useful in taking on surplus bulls - as Monarto are doing; bearing in mind the black rhinoceros is most suited to open range zoos.

I would believe its better not to keep all ones eggs in the basket, I always believed Monarto zoo should become a second place for a breeding herd. It would be quite easy for the staff from Dubbo/Monarto to work with both herds and even keeper exchanges!

 

[WhistlingKite24]

Rhino Population Update - January 2023

Southern White Rhinos:

It’s been a very mixed couple of years of white rhinos with some notable deaths and a few births. Auckland and Hamilton Zoo have had a trio of female calves while the female calves at Dubbo and Monarto have all died due to various reasons. The open-range zoos continue to have limited success with breeding this species however a confirmed pregnancy at Dubbo and a bull swap between Monarto and Dubbo should hopefully improve their success rate along with Orana’s mass importation of 15 rhinos scheduled for 2023 as their rhino importation facility is almost completed. Australia Zoo’s most recent batch of calves were transferred out to Halls Gap and Monarto respectively while Altina was loaned a bull from Mogo. Sydney Zoo represented a new holder with a male arrived from Orana Wildlife Park.

Total White Rhino Population: 45 (20.25) at 13 facilities

Spoiler: White Rhino Population

Altina Wildlife Park, NSW, Australia
1.0 Kei (Khulu x Umqali) 06-02-2006 at Taronga Western Plains Zoo
0.1 Mango (DJ x Inyeti) 00-02-2013 at Australia Zoo
0.1 Tatu (Martin x Kianga) 05-09-2013 at Serengeti-Park Hodenhagen, Germany

Auckland Zoo, New Zealand
1.0 Zambezi (Wild x Wild) ~1992 at Kruger National Park, South Africa
0.1 Jamila (Kruger x Moesha) 06-03-2012 at Hamilton Zoo
0.1 Nyah (Zambezi x Jamila) 14-08-2020 at Auckland Zoo
0.1 Amali (Zambezi x Jamilia) 24-09-2022 at Auckland Zoo

Australia Zoo, QLD, Australia
0.1 Caballe (Wild x Wild) ~1995 at Kruger National Park, South Africa
1.0 DJ (Umgana x Letaba) 25-09-2002 at Werribee Open Range Zoo
0.1 Inyeti (Thomas x Aluka) 26-01-2005 at Taronga Western Plains Zoo
0.1 Kibibi (Satara x Uhura) 02-10-2012 at Monarto Safari Park

Halls Gap Zoo, VIC, Australia
1.0 Kapamba (Bort x Gingabelle) 18-03-1996 at Emmen, Netherlands
1.0 Kingston (DJ x Caballe) 00-07-2019 at Australia Zoo

Hamilton Zoo, New Zealand
1.0 Kruger (Wild x Wild) ~1989 in Kruger National Park, South Africa
0.1 Kito (Wild x Mazithi) 26-06-2000 at Auckland Zoo
0.1 Moesha (Wild x Wild) ~1994 in Kruger National Park, South Africa
0.1 Imani (Zambezi x Caballe) 26-03-2007 at Hamilton Zoo
1.0 Samburu (Kruger x Kito) 28-06-2016 at Hamilton Zoo
0.1 Zahra (Kruger x Kito) 12-03-2020 at Hamilton Zoo

Mogo Wildlife Park, NSW, Australia
1.0 Jabari (Khulu x Intombi) 04-10-2006 at Taronga Western Plains Zoo

Monarto Safari Park, SA, Australia
1.0 Umfana (Wild x Wild) ~1994 in Kruger National Park, South Africa
0.1 Umqali (Wild x Wild) ~ 1994 at Kruger National Park, South Africa
0.1 Uhura (Hatari x Shova) 26-05-1996 at Singapore Zoo
1.0 Ibutho (Cyrano x Utani) 16-08-1999 at Orana Wildlife Park
0.1 Savannah (Kruger x Caballe) 12-04-2011 at Australia Zoo
0.1 Carrie (DJ x Inyeti) 04-12-2018 at Australia Zoo

National Zoo and Aquarium, ACT, Australia
1.0 Ubuntu (Kruger x Kito) 12-03-2010 at Hamilton Zoo
1.0 Eco (Cyrano x Tamu) 01-05-2010 at Orana Wildlife Park

Orana Wildlife Park, New Zealand
0.1 Utani (Mandhla x Mfolozi) 08-07-1984 at San Diego Safari Park, USA
0.1 Katala (Wild x Wild) ~1997 at Kruger National Park, South Africa
0.1 Tamu (Memphis x Sabie) 22-12-2002 at Perth Zoo

Perth Zoo, WA, Australia
1.0 Memphis (Mahlebeni x Tombi) 23-10-1987 at Memphis Zoo, USA
1.0 Bakari (Memphis x Sabie) 28-05-2005 at Perth Zoo

Sydney Zoo, NSW, Australia
1.0 Tino (Cyrano x Tamu) 14-02-2015 at Orana Wildlife Park

Taronga Western Plains Zoo, NSW, Australia
0.1 Likwezi (Thomas x Tessie) 20-12-1985 at Taronga Western Plains Zoo
1.0 Satara (Wild x Wild) ~1992 at Kruger National Park, South Africa
0.1 Mopani (Wild x Wild) ~1996 in Kruger National Park, South Africa – PREGNANT
1.0 Winston (DJ x Caballe) 04-05-2013 at Australia Zoo
1.0 Humprey (DJ x Caballe) 11-10-2015 at Australia Zoo

Werribee Open Range Zoo, VIC, Australia
0.1 Make (Wild x Wild) ~ 1984 at Kruger National Park, South Africa
1.0 Umgana (Wild x Wild) ~1988 at Kruger National Park, South Africa
0.1 Letaba (Wild x Wild) ~1992 at Kruger National Park, South Africa
0.1 Si Si (Wild x Make) 19-01-1996 at Kruger National Park, South Africa
1.0 Kifaru (Kruger x Moesha) 30-04-2009 at Hamilton Zoo
0.1 Kipenzi (Umgana x Si Si) 30-05-2013 at Werribee Open Range Zoo

South-central Black Rhinos:

A female black rhino calf was born at Taronga Western Plains Zoo to experienced female Bahkita in February 2021 and a confirmed pregnancy was announced for female Kufara who is due to give birth in March/April 2023. Monarto are also one to watch over the coming years as they have expanded their black rhino facilities to accommodate females and support the growth of a larger population of black rhinos. The first stage of the new black rhino complex opened in February 2022.

Total Black Rhino Population: 10 (6.4) at two facilities

Spoiler: Black Rhino Population

Monarto Safari Park, SA, Australia
1.0 Induna (Ibala x Pepe Kalle) 05-04-2003 at Taronga Western Plains Zoo
1.0 Sentwali (Siabuwa x Dongajuma) 02-10-2004 at Taronga Western Plains Zoo

Taronga Western Plains Zoo, NSW, Australia
1.0 Chikundo (Siabuwa x Pepe Kalle) 30-03-2000 at Taronga Western Plains Zoo
0.1 Bahkita (Siabuwa x Kalungwizi) 22-03-2002 at Taronga Western Plains Zoo
1.0 Mpzeni (Kwanzaa x Kalungwizi) 14-02-2005 at Taronga Western Plains Zoo
0.1 Kufara (Ibala x Bahkita) 17-02-2010 at Taronga Western Plains Zoo - PREGNANT
1.0 Dafari (unk x Bahkita) 20-04-2015 at Taronga Western Plains Zoo
0.1 Mesi (Kwanzaa x Kufara) 11-04-2017 at Taronga Western Plains Zoo
1.0 Pampoen (Kwanzaa x Bahkita) 31-10-2017 at Taronga Western Plains Zoo
0.1 Sabi Star (Kwanzaa x Bahkita) 24-02-2021 at Taronga Western Plains Zoo

Indian Rhinos:

Dubbo’s pair of Indian Rhinos successfully bred for a second time producing a male calf in October 2021. Named Hari, he is only the second ever calf of this species to have been born in Australia and is currently the pair’s only surviving offspring.

Total Indian Rhino Population: 3 (2.1) at one facility

Spoiler: Indian Rhino Population

Taronga Western Plains Zoo, NSW, Australia
1.0 Dora (Sanver x Nilgiri) 14-08-1999 at Nagoya Higashiyama Zoo, Japan
0.1 Amala (Chandra x Mary)18-01-2006 at Oklahoma City Zoo, USA
1.0 Hari (Dora x Amala) 17-10-2021 at Taronga Western Plains Zoo

 

[Jambo]

Awesome news from Werribee this morning.

First time mum Kipenzi (2013) delivered a healthy female calf on Tuesday morning (4am on 21/03/2023)!

The calf was sired by first time father Kifaru (2009) and is Werribee’s first calf in almost a decade.

Very exciting for Werribee who have experienced limited success in breeding this species in the past.