Florida Zoo Welcomes Baby Southern White Rhino

It’s always a wonder to be able to announce newborn births. Animal births are no different, especially when they can be found at our local zoos! Let’s welcome the newest addition to the ZooTampa. 

Baby South White Rhino in Florida

On Thursday, October 5, 2023, ZooTampa in Florida welcomed a brand newborn southern white rhino calf to its zoo! The calf’s mother, Kidogo, is 19 years old and is in good health and taking care of her 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.”

Fox13 News reported that this calf is now a great addition to six other southern white rhinos that are at the ZooTampa. These other rhinos are male Mufasa, females Kidogo Alake, Fugo, and juveniles Ruby and Kayin.

Southern White Rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum) Facts

Southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum) can also be referred to as the square-lipped rhinoceros. This rhino can be solely found living in Southern Africa. These rhinos are reportedly larger than the northern white rhino. 

The male southern white rhino can weigh anywhere from 4,400-5,300 pounds (2,000-2,400 kilograms.) Which is significantly larger than the northern white rhinoceros that can weigh up to 3,500 pounds (1,600 kilograms.) 

The southern white rhinoceros is a subspecies of the white rhino (Ceratotherium simum). 

White Rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) Facts

White Rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) of the genus Ceratotherium are central to Africa. These mammals are the largest between the subspecies of the southern and northern white rhinos. These mammals can weigh anywhere from 3,168-7,920 pounds (1,440-3,600 kilograms.) 

Rhinos are herbivores, which means that they eat only plant matter and don’t eat any meat. White rhinos will eat things such as grass, fruit, berries, and leaves. 

The white rhino is most famously known for its two horns on top of his snout. The horn in front is typically longer, reaching about 35-59 inches (90-150 centimeters) in length. 

What Hunts Rhinos?

As we can see, rhinos are nothing short of gigantic. So, their predators are few. Typically, the two biggest predators are lions in Africa and tigers in Asia. However, according to the International Rhino Foundation, leopards, wild dogs, hyenas, and Nile crocodiles can also kill rhinos. However, those fights would be incredibly fierce, as taking down a rhino is no easy task.