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Rhinos grow up and become the second largest land animal after elephants, but are born as delightful calves. Let’s take a look at five incredible facts about baby rhinoceroses – all with pictures, of course! – and discover what makes rhino calves so unique!
1. Baby rhinos have almost twice the gestation period of humans!
In humans, the gestation period – the time from conception to childbirth – is about nine months. In a rhinoceros, the gestation period is 15 to 16 months! Female rhinos wait 2 to 3 years before giving birth to another calf.
2. Infant rhinoceros can weigh the same size as an adult adult!
On July 29, 2019, a baby rhinoceros was born on a safari at the San Diego Zoo, weighing 148 pounds just two days after birth! By mid-August, a baby named Edward already weighed 220 pounds. That is, a few days (or weeks) after birth, baby rhinos can weigh as much as humans!
3. Small rhinos have protection against attacks!
Although rhino cubs often weigh over 100 pounds at birth, they are still relatively little food for predators such as lions and tigers that inhabit the various rhino species. Luckily for baby rhinoceroses, they have unique defenses against potential predators like lion, tigers, and leopards!
The skin of a rhinoceros can be up to two inches thick, giving it the shape of an “armor” against predators like big cats! Little rhinos are born with thick skin which helps protect them as they grow rapidly in the weeks and months after birth. However, predators will attack young rhinos, and pride lion attacks have been reported on rhinos that weigh over 2,000 pounds.
4. Small rhinos will walk for a couple of days.
The rhino calf will not be able to immediately become mobile like many other mammalian species; instead, it took the calf two to three days to become stable on its feet. At this time, their mother should take care of them! Male rhinos leave soon after mating. During this period, female rhinoceroses fiercely defend their young.
5. Small rhinos on the rise!
Over the past 30 years, the white rhino population has grown steadily. For example, while their population in the wild may have dropped to 50 out of 100, today there are an estimated 20,000 white rhinos.
(Unfortunately, the northern white rhino population is now functionally extinct as much of its recovery has taken place in South Africa.)
Breeding white rhinos is a success story in zoos across America. For example, the Virginia Zoo welcomed the first birth of a white rhinoceros in July 2021. Earlier in the month, ZooTampa welcomed the birth of its own white rhino.
Several zoos, as well as in the world and in the United States, are successfully running white rhino breeding programs. The San Diego Zoo has a strong focus on breeding white rhinos. The last birth at the San Diego Zoo occurred on August 22, 2021.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is the name of a baby rhinoceros?
A newborn rhinoceros is called a calf, which is similar to other ungulates such as hippos and elephants. Another famous “calf” – from cows that have become ungulates again!
How big is a baby rhinoceros?
Rhino calves can weigh between 70 and 150 pounds. Remember that there are five different species of rhinoceros, each with a range of weight and physical characteristics. The smallest species of rhinoceros are Sumatran and Javanese rhinos. Black rhino calves weigh between 80 and 110 pounds.
For example, a black rhino born at the Des Moines Blank Park Zoo weighed 80 pounds when born in 2016. Finally, white and Indian rhinos have the largest offspring, which can range from 140 to 150 pounds at the highest weight.
How long do rhino cubs feed?
Weaning of rhinos begins at two months, but may continue until they are one year old.
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