black rhino - 2nd generation » Western Plains Zoo

04-10-2007

kiang, we actually have breed 10! but sadley 4 died , 2 males, and sadely 2 females, all of avrious causes, such as intestinal probelmes, to the mother falling on the baby.

but we have had 6 survive, 5 males, and 1 females, the beautiful bakita, who as first female, as a huge fancy bar and resurant named after her, BAkita's Cafe.

2 males did go to monarto, but sorry not sure who, it was one of the babies born in the last lot, 2 years ago. they actually were introduced to each other prior to the move, and now live together in there new home at monartos old elephant exhibit.

will try and find out who it was!

04-10-2007

what size is the herd now and is it likely for future breeding

04-10-2007

i belive that there still is many breeding possibilities, but at current, wpz is the world leader in a.i and other experimental breeding techniques.

for more info, the best site is
http://www.rhinokeeperassociation.or...hops/2007.htm3

that site has presentaions from around the world, from june i belive this year. there are about 5 presentations solely on western plains zoo, 2 on indian rhino, 1 on whites, and 2 on blacks, which will answer all qns on the herd, and breeding problems, and breeding advancements

05-10-2007

My questions regarding the WPZ black rhino remain unanswered. The Rhino Keepers Assoc. data are from start of May 2007.

The Monarto Zoo started keeping the black rhino over summer 2007:
So, again:
Which 2 young males have left WPZ for Monarto?
When is Chikundo to be shipped out with some US southern black rhinos back to southern Africa?

Anyone near enough to Monarto to bother and ask?

18-08-2008

Just reviving an old thread;
It's 50 years ago this month that Taronga had its first black rhino birth, which at the time was a big deal (still is, I suppose) and was reported all over the world.

23-08-2008

Thank you for reminding us Ara. I remember the event well but, of course, had not recorded the date. We might have to collaborate on "the book". [Should make Zoo_Boy happy!]

Sir Edward Hallstrom was surely a man ahead of his time in many ways.

24-08-2008

I probably shouldn't say this, because it will confirm what a few people think about me; but I have a sneaking admiration for the way that Sir Edward didn't let the petty rules of governments (State and Federal) stand in his way when he wanted to import any particular species from overseas, or when he wanted to export Australian animals which were in his possession. It almost got him done for smuggling, but he had enough money and clout to beat the rap.

24-08-2008

That was not exactly what I meant when I said that he was ahead of his time!

However, that was in a different era - before we were all effectively emasculated by socialistic political correctness and public service "nannies".

And Sir Edward was not alone in his ability to "make things happen".

The late, great Eric Worrell had similar talents!

29-08-2008

Eric Worrell, eh?
An interesting bloke; enjoyed a drink; did ground-breaking work in his field (reptiles); but didn't seem to have much time for the public, whom he regarded as a "necessary evil".

29-08-2008

True. Enjoyed a drink or two might be even more accurate!!!

The public might have been "necessary evils" but budding young naturalists were encouraged by him at all costs.

He was a great influence on my early life but a book dealing with that period may have to be published as fiction! Some of the stories would make your hair stand on end.

Our country needs more Eric Worrells.