Werribee Open Range Zoo’s southern white rhino calf has been named amid much anticipation.
Jabulani, a word from the Zulu language of Southern Africa, means rejoice and was voted for by members and donors from Zoos Victoria in an online competition.
Werribee Open Range Zoo savannah keeper Sophie Gray said the name was the perfect fit.
“It’s meaningful because it reflects the immense amount of joy he has brought to his mother, Kipenzi, zoo staff and everyone around the country who has followed the wonderful news of his birth,” she said.
Jabulani was born on August 18 to 15-year-old father Kifaru and 11-year-old mother Kipenzi following a 16-month pregnancy.
The successful birth and flourishing bond between mother and calf have been a joy for zoo staff.
Jabulani won’t be little for long, as the calf has a healthy appetite.
“Incredibly, Jabulani is drinking a whopping eight to litres of Kipenzi’s milk every day, which is translating to a growth of a very healthy five to 10 kilograms per week,” Ms Gray said.
Jabulani’s charisma has been on full display, according to Ms Gray.
“He’s so confident and inquisitive.
“We’re also seeing him participate in some mock charges, which is a natural behaviour that is his way of telling us that he’s the boss. He puts his head down and nose towards the ground and charges forwards, then jumps on the spot and turns around quickly. It is very cute!”
Jabulani and Kipenzi are both currently homed in a keeper-only area to allow them some time to develop their bond. He will soon be introduced to the wider rhino crash and then in the coming months to the zoo’s savannah, where the public will be able to meet him.
Native to Southern Africa, southern white rhinos are classified as Near Threatened and it is estimated as few as 10,080 remain in the wild. Poaching, habitat destruction and fragmentation due to human activity.
The Australasian Southern White Rhino Zoo Breeding Program plays a crucial role supporting efforts to conserve wild rhino populations through education and community engagement.
Jaidyn Kennedy
