Update: Sad news coming from Werribee Zoo this morning.
Zoos Victoria released the following statement this morning, “It is with a heavy heart that we must announce the Southern White Rhinoceros calf born last week at Werribee Open Range Zoo has sadly passed away from internal injuries sustained after birth.
The five-day-old female calf suffered a neurological episode just before midnight Saturday, followed by cardiac arrest and sadly, zoo veterinary staff were unable to resuscitate her.
“The death of any animal is challenging for all involved, but we can find comfort in the knowledge that every action was taken to ensure the calf was receiving the best care possible.” – Dr Mark Pilgrim, Werribee Open Range Zoo Director.
A necropsy (similar to a human autopsy) conducted at the University of Melbourne Veterinarian School confirmed the calf sustained a broken scapula, attributable to interactions with her mother in the immediate hours post-birth. It is suspected that blood clots at the fracture site led to the neurological signs and cardiac arrest. Further test results are pending and due in two weeks.
“We know this news will bring sadness to our Zoo Members and community, and our kind thoughts are with them and all who cared for this precious calf, and particularly with our vet and keeping teams who worked tirelessly to care for the calf over the past five days.” – Dr Mark Pilgrim, Werribee Open Range Zoo Director.
We thank you for your support during this difficult time.”
A southern white rhino calf has been born at the Werribee Open Range Zoo for the first time in almost a decade.
First-time mother Kipenzi gave birth to the female calf about 4am on Tuesday after a 16-month pregnancy.
Kipenzi and her newborn did not bond straight away, so the calf was brought to the zoo’s vet clinic for medical checks and supplementary feeding.
The calf, who is yet to be named, is receiving round-the-clock feeds of his mother’s colostrum.
“The calf’s health has begun to improve and it is now in the process of being reintroduced to mum,” zoo director Mark Pilgrim said in a statement.
“However, it will continue to remain under veterinary care during these critical early days.”
The southern white rhino is listed as a near threatened species, with only about 10,080 left in the wild.
Poachers and illegal rhino horn traders continue to pose significant threats.
“The arrival of this precious calf is an important achievement in the fight to save the species from extinction,” Dr Pilgrim said.
“We are excited that visitors will be able to view the pair once we have navigated these typically high-risk early days following the birth.”
He said the calf will be named in coming weeks through a voting competition for Zoos Victoria members.
AAP 2023