At eight weeks old and weighing 200 kilograms, southern white rhino calf Jabulani has made his public debut at Werribee Open Range Zoo in Melbourne. Born to mother Kipenzi following a 16-month pregnancy, Jabulani has been nurtured closely by his mother and other members of the crash in a keeper-only area before being introduced to the public. The calf’s name, which means “bringing joy” or “rejoice” in Zulu, reflects the excitement surrounding his debut in the zoo’s African-inspired savannah habitat.
This week marks the first time Jabulani has been seen in public alongside other animals such as giraffes, zebras, ostriches, and antelopes on the 30-hectare savannah at the zoo. According to zoo life sciences manager Dominic Moss, Jabulani has been prepared for this moment through bonding with his mother and other rhino family members. While visitors can expect to see Jabulani staying close to his mother and the eight-tonne rhino “bodyguards,” he will eventually start exploring on his own and engaging in typical rhino calf activities such as playing, napping, and exploring.
Born weighing 55 kilograms, Jabulani has already gained considerable weight in his first few months of life, now tipping the scales at 200 kilograms. This southern white rhino calf is a significant addition to the zoo, as he is the first successfully raised calf by its mother to be born in Victoria in over 20 years. Jabulani’s mother is 11 years old, and his father, Kifaru, is 15 years old, adding to the zoo’s growing rhino family and potentially contributing to conservation efforts for this endangered species.
As Jabulani continues to grow and develop, visitors can look forward to observing his playful behaviors, his interactions with his mother and other rhinos, and his exploration of the savannah habitat. The calf’s debut represents a milestone in the zoo’s conservation efforts for the southern white rhino, as his successful birth and early development demonstrate the effectiveness of their breeding and care programs. With his unique name and joyful personality, Jabulani is sure to bring delight to both visitors and zoo staff as he becomes a beloved member of the zoo’s rhino family.
In addition to the excitement surrounding Jabulani’s public debut, visitors can learn more about the southern white rhino and the conservation efforts being undertaken to protect this endangered species. Educational programs, conservation initiatives, and opportunities to support rhino conservation efforts may be available at the zoo, allowing visitors to engage with important conservation issues and contribute to the protection of rhinos in the wild. By showcasing Jabulani and his family, the zoo is raising awareness about the importance of preserving the natural habitats of rhinos and working to ensure the long-term survival of these majestic animals in the wild.
Overall, Jabulani’s debut at Werribee Open Range Zoo represents a significant moment for both the zoo and the conservation community. With his joyful personality, close bond with his mother, and growing presence in the savannah habitat, Jabulani is poised to become a beloved and iconic figure at the zoo. As visitors observe his development and learn more about the challenges facing rhinos in the wild, they are encouraged to support conservation efforts and take action to protect these endangered animals for future generations to enjoy. Through education, awareness, and engagement, the zoo is playing a vital role in the conservation of southern white rhinos and the preservation of their natural habitats.
