Aluka the Southern White Rhinoceros was camera shy at Taronga Western Plains Zoo yesterday when a media contingent turned out to report on her pregnancy.
Senior keeper Pascale Benoit was in a celebratory mood as she made the happy announcement but the expectant mother was determined to stay out of the limelight as a posse of eager tourists crowded around.
The visitors were treated to an unscheduled keeper talk as Pascale provided details of the impending birth.
“Reproductive experts from the International Zoo and Wildlife Research Institute in Berlin confirmed the pregnancy via ultrasound during their recent visit to Taronga Western Plains,’’ she said.
“Aluka is around three and four months pregnant and with a gestation period of 16 to 18 months we can expect a calf between August and October next year.
“The new arrival will weigh around 70kg at birth and will reach two tonne in five years.
“The baby will be the 11th white rhino born at Western Plains Zoo.’’
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