The female was born on Wednesday night and has been under the watchful eye of mum, Umqali.

Zookeeper Mark Mills said the calf arrived safely and was standing well, feeding and appeared calm and relaxed with her mother.

“The young rhino is absolutely gorgeous and, like all little rhinos, looks like she has a lot of growing to do to catch up with her large ears and feet,” he said.

The calf is the seventh born to Umqali and will be one of six Southern White Rhinoceros currently at the zoo.

Monarto Safari Park Director Peter Clark said her birth was a reason for celebration, given the species was nearing extinction with nearly 10,000 lost to poaching in the wild over the past 10 years.

Zoos SA is working with The Australian Rhino Project to create a sanctuary at the park and wants to relocate more Southern White Rhinos from Africa to Monarto in 2022.

“This calf will play her part in helping to ensure the survival of White rhinos by boosting the numbers of animals held safely in Australia and New Zealand,” Mr Clark said.

“We hope Monarto will eventually become home for up to 40 rhino.”

Monarto Safari Park reopened to the public in late June after being closed due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Visitors are required to book their tickets online at www.monartosafari.com.au/tickets/.

-AAP

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