Orana Wildlife Park First rhino calf in a decade!

Hamilton Zoo does well with rhinos, I would have hoped that Orana would have had more calves than this in 10 years. This birth is important as the mother was herself born in captivity (at Perth), as Hurricane noted. This shows that the ANZ breeding program is looking good for the future.
 
the breeding results for Orana are very poor indeed where rhinos are concerned, especially considering that the first NZ birth was there (eleven years ago!). Hamilton Zoo on the other hand has done superbly.

I liked in the video from Orana how there was a fantail (a species of NZ flycatcher) hawking for insects in the wake of the rhinos as they ran around their paddock :D
 
the auction for the naming rights has ended with a hard-fought three-way bidding war between TradeMe bidders calendargirls (a local strip club), nathalieanne, and mark4811. Winning bid was mark4811 with NZ$5350.00. No public news release yet on the name to be chosen.
 
Naming ceremony is apparently going to be held on Tuesday- the new name is being kept under wraps until then. Fingers crossed it stays Bruce! Suits the wee fella so well :)
 
...but it was already Wednesday 16th June when you posted that Nisha :D

actually yesterday was appalling weather, has been for the last three weeks, but today is very nice and sunny.
 
New rhino an "Eco" baby - cutestuff - life-style | Stuff.co.nz
The winning bidder of naming rights for Orana Park's new rhino has named the animal after a brand of carpet.

Carpet Court Christchurch City shelled out $5,350 to name the baby animal, officially dubbed "Eco" at an event today.

Although fitting nicely with the park's conservation programme, the name Eco is also the name of a new brand of carpet that was durability tested by a rhino called Ricko in America.

Orana Park public relations manager Nathan Hawke said staff were thrilled with the TradeMe auction result.

"Nearly 48,000 people viewed the listing over the week. Most importantly, we were able to engage with viewers by answering 350 questions - this enabled us to discuss a range of topics from the plight of rhinos through to how people can help native species," he said.
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a better article here, explaining about Ricko: Eco Friendly Name For Calf | Voxy.co.nz
Orana Wildlife Park's Rhino calf was officially named 'Eco' at an event today. The naming rights for the little Rhino were auctioned on TradeMe and the winning bidder (at $5,350) was Carpet Court Christchurch City.

Orana's Public Relations Manager, Nathan Hawke, says staff are thrilled: "The name Eco was chosen as it relates to an exclusive new brand of carpet that was actually durability tested by a Rhino - we think this is a fantastic fit with our calf and a great story. Additionally, 'Eco' is a very appropriate link with the conservation aims of our organisation."

Carpet Court Christchurch City's owner, Laura-Jean Fitzgibbon, says her team is very excited to be able to name the Rhino calf: "We admire the role Orana Wildlife Park plays in the White Rhino breeding programme and are delighted to have the privilege of naming the beautiful baby boy. The link between the boisterous calf and Carpet Court is based upon a unique story. Eco-strand is a revolutionary new fibre which embodies the tough, resilient characteristics of a Rhino, whilst remaining super soft and luxurious to touch. Eco-strand has in fact survived a thorough testing by a Rhino named Ricko in America."

"Over the course of a 14 day period, Ricko lived on the Eco-strand carpet and made the kind of mess only a one and a half tonne Rhino could produce! After this time, the carpet was washed and it immediately bounced back into shape and all the stains were cleaned with just warm water and a mild bio-friendly detergent. With these thoughts in mind, we thought winning the auction was a fantastic opportunity to align the Eco-strand name with this delightful calf" adds Laura-Jean.

Park staff were thrilled with the TradeMe auction result. Aside from the positive new partnership formed with Carpet Court Christchurch City and the funds generated, there were numerous other benefits: "Nearly 48,000 people viewed the listing over the week! Most importantly, we were able to engage with viewers by answering 350 questions - this enabled us to discuss a range of topics from the plight of Rhinos through to how people can help native species. One of our roles as a modern zoo is conservation advocacy and this auction generated mass awareness of our delightful little Rhino calf. The profile generated through this exercise was overwhelming" says Nathan.
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