At just eight weeks old and weighing 200 kilograms, Jabulani, a southern white rhino calf, made his first public appearance at Werribee Open Range Zoo in Melbourne. Born after a 16-month pregnancy, Jabulani was welcomed into a keeper-only area to strengthen bonds with his mother Kipenzi and other members of the rhino crash. The calf’s name, which means “bringing joy” or “rejoice” in Zulu, reflects the excitement that surrounded his public debut. This week marks the first time Jabulani has been seen by the public, as he joins herds of giraffe, zebra, ostrich, and antelope on the zoo’s African-inspired 30 hectares.
According to zoo life sciences manager Dominic Moss, Jabulani has been nurtured closely by his mother to prepare him for this very moment, just as wild rhino calves would be. Moss explained that visitors can expect to see Jabulani remaining close to his mother and the eight tonnes of rhino family ‘bodyguards’ initially, but as time goes on, the young calf will begin to explore more on his own. As is typical for a young rhino, Jabulani will spend his time doing “zoomies” and taking plenty of naps. Starting at 55 kilograms at birth, Jabulani has already grown to 200 kilograms in just a few months, making him a significant addition to the zoo’s population.
Jabulani’s arrival marks a significant milestone as he is the first southern white rhino calf to be successfully raised by its mother and born in Victoria in more than two decades. His mother, an 11-year-old named Kipenzi, and his father, a 15-year-old named Kifaru, are both playing crucial roles in nurturing and caring for the young calf. The zoo’s staff are closely monitoring Jabulani’s development and progress as he continues to explore his new surroundings and interact with the other animals in the savannah exhibition.
The public debut of Jabulani has generated excitement among visitors and zoo staff alike, as they witness the precious moments of a young rhino calf beginning to explore and experience life in the open. The zoo’s African-inspired savannah provides a naturalistic environment for Jabulani to grow and develop, surrounded by other animals that are part of the same ecosystem. With his mother and other rhinos by his side, Jabulani is sure to receive the care and protection he needs to thrive and grow into a healthy adult rhino.
The zoo’s conservation efforts are also highlighted through the birth of Jabulani, as the southern white rhino population faces threats from poaching and habitat loss in the wild. By successfully breeding and raising a rhino calf like Jabulani, the zoo is contributing to the preservation of this endangered species and raising awareness about the importance of protecting rhinos in the wild. Visitors to the zoo can learn more about the conservation challenges facing rhinos and other wildlife species, and support efforts to ensure their survival for future generations to enjoy.
As Jabulani continues to grow and develop, he will play an important role in the educational programs and conservation initiatives at Werribee Open Range Zoo. The public will have the opportunity to observe and learn about the natural behaviors and characteristics of southern white rhinos through interactions with Jabulani and his family. By fostering a connection between visitors and wildlife like Jabulani, the zoo aims to inspire conservation action and promote a greater understanding of the importance of protecting endangered species and their habitats. Jabulani’s presence at the zoo serves as a reminder of the beauty and diversity of wildlife and the need to work together to ensure a sustainable future for all living creatures.
