Whipsnade Zoo celebrates birth of its 61st Southern white rhino calf
New calf marks over five decades of successful conservation breeding
Whipsnade Zoo is celebrating the arrival of its 61st Southern white rhino calf, marking over half a century of successful conservation breeding for the species.
Born on the 1st November at around 4pm, the male calf named Mazinda arrived with a hefty birth weight of 40kg. He pays tribute to the first Southern white rhino born in Europe at the zoo in 1971, symbolising Whipsnade's long-standing commitment to conservation.
The zoo's breeding programme began in 1970 when a herd arrived from South Africa through an agreement with the Natal Parks Board, aiming to safeguard the species. A female rhino unexpectedly birthed the original Mazinda in 1971, becoming the first white rhino calf born in Europe.
Southern white rhinos faced near extinction in the late 19th century, with numbers in South Africa dwindling to around 20. Current estimates place the population at approximately 17,500, yet challenges like poaching and habitat loss persist.
Mark Holden, Hoofstock Team Leader, expressed delight at the new arrival, noting the calf's close bond with his mother Fahari as he grows stronger and more curious in the zoo's rhino barn.
Visitors can see Mazinda and his mum as they bond, supporting ZSL's vital conservation work with every zoo visit.