ZooTampa Celebrates Birth Of 7th Rare White Rhino

SEMINOLE HEIGHTS, FL — ZooTampa at Lowry Park announced the birth of its seventh southern white rhino on Thursday, a cause for celebration for conservationists fighting to save the endangered species.

The yet-to-be-named female calf is the offspring of Kidogo.

According to the World Wildlife Foundation, white rhinos were believed to have gone extinct in the late 19th century due to poachers killing the rhinos for their tusks. Currently, there are about 20,000 white rhinos in existence.

Poaching and destruction of their wildlife habitats continue to be the major causes of mortality. Record numbers of rhinos have been killed by poachers due to the high demand for keratin, a protein found in rhino horn that is believed to have medicinal properties. The northern white rhino, a relative of the southern white rhino, is now considered extinct in the wild, with only two remaining in professional care.

See related story: A Face Only A Mother Could Love: Zoo Welcomes Baby White Rhino

ZooTampa participates in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Rhino Taxon Advisory Group, which includes the Southern White Rhino Species Survival Plan. 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.

The majority of southern white rhinos live in just four countries in Africa: Kenya, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe. They are characterized by a pronounced hump and two horns at the ends of their muzzles, used to defend against predators and establish social dominance.

Guests may catch a glimpse of the rhino calf in the African section on the zoo's safari tram ride, included with daily admission. To get an even closer look, guests can also add on a white rhino encounter starting at $10.

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.