First-time mama, Mesi, and her newborn black rhino calf. Photo credit: Grace Humphery, Taronga Western Plains Zoo.
Mesi, a southern black rhinoceros at the Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo, Australia, gave birth to a male calf in August.
The baby rhino is feeding well and staying close to his mama. The pair will remain behind-the-scenes at the zoo for the next few months to continue bonding with each other and with zoo staff.
According to Black Rhino Keeper Grace Humphery, “To see them together is just beautiful. He is a very brave and curious calf. Having another Black Rhino on the ground is so special. He will be an important part of our conservation program and an amazing little ambassador for his species.”
Critically endangered southern black rhino calf at the Taronga Western Plains Zoo. Photo credit: Grace Humphery, Taronga Western Plains Zoo.
Southern black rhinoceros, Mesi, and her calf have been inseparable as they bond behind-the-scenes at the Taronga Western Plains Zoo. Photo credit: Hayley Brooks, Taronga Western Plains Zoo.
Black rhinos are considered critically endangered by the IUCN Red List, with only about 3100 individuals left in the wild. Taronga Western Plains Zoo supports conservation efforts via the International Rhino Foundation as well as its breeding program.
To learn more, visit Taronga Western Plains Zoo’s Black Rhino conservation breeding program.
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