Say hello to Tampa’s biggest baby.
This morning, ZooTampa announced the arrival of a new addition to the zoo’s white rhino crash. The 80-100 pound male calf was born on Oct. 3, says the zoo, and is the offspring of 19-year-old Kidogo.
“Kidogo was paired with male Mufasa as part of the Species Survival Plans, overseen by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums which ensures the survival of protected, threatened, and endangered species,” said ZooTampa in a statement.
The big baby boy is now the 9th of its species to be born at ZooTampa. In all, the zoo is now home to a total of seven White rhinos: male Mufasa; females Kidogo, Alake, Fugo; and juveniles Ruby and Kayin and the new male calf.
“We are excited to welcome another healthy calf,” said Chris Massaro, Senior VP, Zoological Operations. “Kidogo did great with the birth of her sixth baby, and she is being very attentive. The birth is also special for first-time dad, Mufasa. The calf is a critical step in our continued effort to save the imperiled species from extinction.”
Southern white rhinos recovered from near extinction in the early 1900s. Then, there were only 50-100 found in the wild. Today, between 17,212 and 18,915 can be found in South Africa.
