Auckland Zoo rhino Jamila delivers newborn in record time!

Following a 515-day (almost 17 months) gestation, Auckland Zoo’s Southern white rhino Jamila has delivered her third offspring in a record three minutes!

Born on Friday morning (13 December), her male calf was standing within 10 minutes and began suckling within the hour.

“Jamila’s last two births - females Nyah (4) and Amali (2) - took just under an hour to deliver, which is still a relatively short labour, but to witness everything happening within a speedy few minutes, was just incredible,” says Auckland Zoo Ungulates keeper Dion Cinavilakeba, who had also been monitoring her progress via remote cameras the previous evening.

“A rhino gestation is a long stretch, and as you’d expect Jamila is extremely tired, but from the moment her calf was born, she’s been totally attentive and nurturing, and is once again proving to be an exceptional mum. She has produced a very healthy, hungry, and active calf. He’s suckling at least every hour, is quite vocal, and while he looks tiny in comparison to Jamila (who weighs approximately 1800kg), we estimate he already weighs close to 70kg!”

Warren Spencer, Auckland Zoo’s senior curator and coordinator of the Australasian Zoo Aquarium Association (ZAA) Species Management Programme for Southern white rhino, says Jamila’s third offspring is a valuable new addition to the region.

“Female Jamila and this calf’s father Zambezi both contribute valuable genetics to this regional breeding and advocacy programme, so we’re delighted to welcome this calf. As well as supporting the sustainability of the programme, in having a rhinoceros crash (herd) here at the Zoo, our visitors have wonderful opportunities to connect with and learn about these extraordinary mammals, including seeing offspring like this calf grow up,” says Warren.

Dion and the team say the next few weeks are a critical period for Jamila and her calf to bond, and for this newborn to fully find his feet and gain the mobility skills he’ll need to be able to safely venture out into the Africa Safari Track’s rhino habitat where there is varied terrain.

“For now, Jamila and her calf will continue to have the comfort and safety of the rhino barn and its adjoining outdoor yard and will gradually be introduced to the rest of the rhino herd. We’ll be guided by them, so it’s hard to give an exact timeframe on when visitors will begin seeing them out in the habitat – but this may not be until around early New Year. In the meantime, we look forward to bringing you updates!”