It's A Boy! Another Endangered Southern White Rhino Born At ZooTampa

TAMPA, FL — With his grayish, wrinkled skin, the newborn 150-pound southern white rhino calf isn't everyone's idea of a bundle of joy.

But to the animal care team at ZooTampa at Lowry Park and his 19-year-old mother, Kidogo, the arrival of the zoo's newest baby is a sight for sore eyes.

The rhino calf, who has yet to be named, was born on Oct. 3, and appears to be strong as he nurses alongside his experienced mother.

Kidogo was paired with male southern white rhino Mufasa as part of the Species Survival Plan overseen by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, which ensures the survival of protected, threatened and endangered species. Soon, visitors will be able to get their first look at the bouncing baby boy in the Expedition Wild Africa safari experience.

The southern white rhino population had dwindled to an estimated 50 to 200 animals at the beginning of the 20th century. But through conservation efforts, there are currently about 16,800 southern white rhinos in the wild.

The majority of southern white rhinos live in just four countries in Africa: Kenya, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Their unique body is characterized by a pronounced hump and two horns at the ends of its muzzle, used to defend against its predators and establish social dominance. Eventually, this newborn will grow to 5,000 pounds, sprout two horns from its snout and stand about 6 feet tall.

The zoo participates in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Rhino Taxon Advisory Group, which includes the southern white rhino. Over the past 20 years, ZooTampa has contributed $100,000 to conservation projects, such as anti-poaching and habitat repair and restoration efforts in Africa.

Nevertheless, the species remains classified as near threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature due to threats in the wild due to habitat loss and illegal poaching for their horns.

But without the threat of poaching and loss of habitat, the species has been thriving at ZooTampa, said Dr. Larry Killmar, chief zoological officer. This is the fourth southern white rhino to be born at ZooTampa since 2000. Ten southern white rhinos have been born at the zoo since the zoo joined the Species Survival Plan.

“These babies and the rest of our southern white rhino herd are wonderful ambassadors for their species, giving our guests the opportunity to connect with and appreciate these magnificent animals,” said Killmar. “The zoo’s efforts to save this species is yet another example of the leadership role that ZooTampa plays in conserving important species both at home and around the world.”

ZooTampa has two species of rhinos – the southern white rhino and the greater one-horned rhino or Indian rhino.

Related:

• ZooTampa Announces Expansion That Will Incorporate Hillsborough River
• Endangered Dragons Born At ZooTampa For 1st Time
• Zoo's Rarest Animal Has Room To Roam In New Native Habitat
• ZooTampa Named Among 10 Best Zoos, Zoo Exhibits In Country

Record-Breaking Year For Attendance

News of the baby rhino follows an announcement by the zoo that the attraction broke its own record this fiscal year (which ended Sept. 30) by welcoming 1,171,319 guests.

Furthermore, the zoo raised its status as a leader in wildlife preservation by sending staff to various countries to participate in field conservation and education projects.

“We are proud of our role as the destination for families to come together, be entertained, and connect with each other and wildlife,” stated ZooTampa’s CEO and President Joe Couceiro. “We also celebrate our continued commitment to the conservation and preservation of wildlife not only in our back yards, but also around the world.”

Some of the notable conservation accomplishments during the 2023 fiscal year include:

ZooTampa assisted the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission with 54 manatee rescues and transports, and helped with operations on Florida's East Coast during the winter Unusual Mortality Event. The David A. Straz, Jr. Manatee Critical Care Center took in 34 manatees and released 14 back to Florida waters. Additionally, the team is working with the fSTOP Foundation and Florida Department of Transportation to monitor two new wildlife crossing cameras between Tampa and Lakeland.

Animal care, education and conservation team members participated in field projects providing expertise and supporting conservation programs with Elephant-Human Relations Aid in Namibia (Africa), Macaw Recovery Network (Costa Rica) and the South African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (Africa).

In addition to last week's arrival, new members of the zoo family include six endangered Komodo dragons, two critically endangered red wolf pups, a nyala, bay duiker and lorikeets.

“Equally important to reflecting on a successful fiscal year is looking forward to our continued transformation,” added Couceiro. “In 2024 we will offer some unforgettable adventures for guests of all ages.”

The zoo is billing 2024 as its “Year of More” with the following new additions:

• Stingray Shores: The new interactive habitat opening this winter features the opportunity for guests to touch and feed graceful stingrays. Guests will also have the unique opportunity to get into the water and be immersed in the aquatic world of stingrays during an unforgettable signature encounter experience that connects guests with this species like never before.

• Australia: The completely re-imagined family area includes a new ride, Aussie Trek presented by Outback, which will feature opportunities for parents and their kids to go on a safari and learn about the land down under’s unique wildlife. The area, which will open in the spring, will have an expanded splash pad and dry play area and more opportunities for up-close animal connections with the addition of a wallaby signature encounter. Additionally, new food and beverage locations, the Outpost Grab N Go Market and the Boomerang Bar, will offer guests an array of drinks and food options.
• Prehistoric Predators: At this limited-time special event taking place January through April, guests will come face to face with giant animatronic ferocious predators of the past. Animals not seen for centuries like the dire wolf from the Ice Age or an allosaurus from the Mesozoic Age will come to life at ZooTampa. While enjoying the creatures that roamed the Earth long ago, guests of all ages will also learn the important role predators play in our ecosystem and how they relate to species of this century.
• David A. Straz, Jr. Manatee Critical Care Center expansion: As one of only two critical care centers in the United States able to care for orphaned manatees, ZooTampa is expanding its capacity with the addition of two 16,500-gallon treatment areas for the most dire (and smallest) patients.

“As one of USAToday’s top 10 zoos in the United States, we kick off the 2024 fiscal year with excitement about our future,” said Couceiro. “We will continue our commitment of excellence as one of the many gems of our amazing city and county.”

The nonprofit ZooTampa and its David A. Straz, Jr. Manatee Critical Care were honored among the "Best Zoos" ( No. 6) and "Best Zoo Exhibits" (No. 4) in the U.S. in 2023 USA Today's 10Best Reader's Choice Travel Awards.

The zoo is a 12-time winner of Trip Advisor Travelers' Choice Award(2010-2023), ranking it among the top 10 percent of attractions worldwide. A winner of 2021 Best of Tampa and is a leader in the rehabilitation and care of Florida species.

The zoo is located at 1101 W. Sligh Ave. in Tampa, and is open seven days a week from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. with extended hours for select events. Parking is free. For more information, click here.