Endangered Baby Southern White Rhino Welcomed At ZooTampa

TAMPA, FL — ZooTampa just welcomed a baby southern white rhino to the family.

The calf was born during the overnight hours of Sunday, June 6. The female calf and her mom, 20 -year-old Alake, an experienced mother, are doing well. The baby rhino appears to be strong and is nursing alongside her mother.

This birth marks the eighth southern white rhino calf born at ZooTampa.

Alake was paired with male Ongava through the Species Survival Plan overseen by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to ensure the survival of this protected species.

The southern white rhino population had dwindled to an estimated 50 to 200 at the beginning of the 20th century. But through conservation efforts, the population of white rhinos in their native range in Africa has rebounded to about 20,400 animals.

However, the species remains classified as near threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature due to threats in the wild due to habitat loss and illegal poaching for their horns.

“These babies and the rest of our southern white rhino herd are wonderful ambassadors for their species, giving our guests the opportunity to connect with and appreciate these magnificent animals,” said Dr. Larry Killmar, chief zoological officer. “The zoo’s efforts to save this species is yet another example of the leadership role that ZooTampa plays in conserving important species both at home and around the world.”

ZooTampa has two species of rhinos – the southern white rhino and the greater one-horned rhino or Indian rhino.

In November, the zoo celebrated the birth of a greater one-horned rhino that was officially named Gronk after Tampa Bay Bucs tight end Rob Gronkowski. It proved the perfect name for the little rhino. The greater one-horned rhino is just one of two species of rhino that has skin like armor. And, from the moment he could make his way out to the yard, baby Gronk showed an affinity for kicking around a ball.

This has led zoo and Buc fans to speculate on the naming of this week's newborn, which is expected to join the “crash” – the term for a group of rhinos –in the coming weeks.

Brady or Tompa as a tribute to Super Bowl-winning quarterback Tom Brady?

Or perhaps name the little guy after another Bucs standout like Trask, Rakeem or Brate.

Guests will be able to see the baby aboard the new Expedition Wild Africa which is scheduled to open soon.

The zoo is located at 1101 W. Sligh Ave. in Tampa and is open seven days a week (except Thanksgiving and Christmas) from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. with extended hours for select events.

See related stories:

• Cuteness Quotient: Rare Bornean Orangutan Born At ZooTampa
• Video: Gronk Visits Namesake Rare Baby Rhino At ZooTampa
• Rare Species One Step Closer To Survival With ZooTampa Birth
• 'Hey, I Need A Name;' Fundraiser Underway To Name Baby Orangutan