Have you met Kifaru Yet?

Meet Kifaru, the latest addition to our resident rhino family.  Kifaru was born on the 30 April after a 16-month gestation to proud parents Moesha and Kruger. 

Moesha arrived at Hamilton Zoo 10 years ago in October 1999, and Zoo staff had almost given up hope that she would become a mother.  A change of breeding male may have done the trick - Kruger was transferred from Auckland Zoo in 2007 and a successful mating in January 2008 resulted in the birth of male calf Kifaru.

The recent birth is particularly exciting for Hamilton Zoo, as Team Leader of Mammals Samantha Kudeweh coodrinates the Australasian region's white rhino breeding programme.  Four of the six white rhinos born in New Zealand were born at Hamilton Zoo.

On the verge of extinction in the early 1900s, the species is a prime example of the power of conservation - going from less than 100 animals to over 11,000 in the wild thanks to the protection of habitat and animals.

"The fact that white rhinos are no longer on the endangered species list goes to show just how much of an impact conservation measures can have in ensuring the future of an endangered species.  Breeding programmes in zoos are a crucial part of these measures," said Stephen Standley, Hamilton Zoo Director.

Kifaru weighed 65kg at birth, and Kifaru was a whopping 223kg at his latest weigh-in on 14 September.  Make sure to come and see him soon while he is still smaller than Mum and Dad!