Whipsnade Zoo welcomes baby rhino named after a conservation pioneer
By Conservation Correspondent
A baby Southern white rhino born at Whipsnade Zoo is continuing a remarkable family history, more than 50 years after the first calf of its kind was born in Europe at the Bedfordshire zoo.
The male calf, named Mazinda, was born at around 4pm on Sunday 1 November to mum Fahari and dad Sizzle.
Weighing an estimated 40kg at birth, he is already around 11 times heavier than the average human baby.
His name has a special significance.
In 1971, the first Southern white rhino calf ever born in Europe arrived at Whipsnade Zoo and was also named Mazinda. The new arrival is the 61st calf born at the Zoo since its conservation breeding programme began in 1970.
Keepers say the latest Mazinda is settling in well, spending his time close to Fahari in the rhino barn as the pair bond.
He is growing stronger and more confident each day, and is already showing signs of an inquisitive nature.
Mark Holden, Hoofstock Team Leader at Whipsnade Zoo, said:
"We're delighted to welcome a new calftoWhipsnade Zoo, and mum Fahari is proving to be the perfect parent. The little one has stayed closebymum's side in the rhino barn since birth and has been growing stronger and more confident every day.
"Mazinda is a very inquisitive calf who already loves exploring his surroundings. Rhino calves takesometime to grow into their large hooves, so it's been fun to watch him totter around and test hisbalance."
The calf's arrival marks another chapter in Whipsnade Zoo's long involvement in Southern white rhino conservation.
In 1970, a herd of white rhinos arrived at the Zoo from South Africa following an agreement with the Natal Parks Board. The aim was to establish a carefully managed European breeding programme to help safeguard the species.
Just a year later, on 24 June 1971, one of the females gave birth to Europe's first white rhino calf. Keepers had not known she was already pregnant when the herd arrived.
More than five decades on, the programme has seen 61 calves born at Whipsnade, contributing to a wider European effort to maintain a healthy, genetically diverse population as a safeguard for the species.
Southern white rhinos were once close to extinction, with just around 20 individuals remaining in South Africa by the late 19th century.
Their numbers have since recovered considerably, with the latest estimates putting the wild population at around 17,500 across Africa. However, poaching and habitat loss continue to threaten their future.
The latest birth also comes during the 200th anniversary year of ZSL, the conservation charity that runs Whipsnade Zoo.
Mark said: "The first Mazinda was a trailblazer for her species, being the first white rhino born in Europe. Now, more than 50 years later, we're honouring this important part of Whipsnade's conservation history by giving the new calf the same name."
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For now, Mazinda and Fahari will remain together in Whipsnade Zoo's rhino barn while they enjoy important bonding time. Visitors will be able to see the pair during this time.
Every visit to Whipsnade Zoo supports ZSL's science and conservation work in the UK and aroundtheworld.
Find out more and book tickets: https://www.whipsnadezoo.org/
