At Aquila Private Game Reserve, every new birth is a celebration of life and hope – none more so than the arrival of a baby rhino calf. Against the backdrop of the Karoo’s rugged beauty, our team is proud to introduce this young rhino – a member of the Big 5 – to the world, a living testament to decades of conservation efforts.
Rhinos have roamed the plains of Africa for millions of years, yet today, they stand among the most endangered mammals on earth. The southern white rhino is on the the IUCN Red List of threatened species. The birth of a southern white rhino calf is far more than a joyful moment for the reserve – it’s a poignant reminder that every new life counts in the fight to protect the species from extinction.
The First Precious Months: Life of a Baby Rhino
A baby rhino, known as a calf, is born after an astonishingly long gestation period of 15 to 16 months. Our newest arrival weighed around 40 – 60 kilograms (88 – 132 lbs) at birth – a mere fraction of the weight it will eventually reach as an adult. Despite their hefty size, newborn rhinos are strikingly vulnerable.
For the first weeks of life, a calf never strays far from its mother’s side. She is its sole protector, teacher and source of nourishment. The calf suckles frequently, growing rapidly as it builds the strength to keep pace with the herd.
Curious by nature, baby rhinos spend their early days exploring their surroundings – investigating scents, learning to wallow in mud to cool down and protect their skin, and playfully chasing small animals or birds. But even at this tender age, threats are never far away. In the wild, predation and poaching are constant dangers. This is why births within protected reserves like Aquila are vital to the survival of the species.
Southern White Rhino Facts
- Africa’s second-largest land mammal: Southern white rhinos are the largest rhino species and the second-largest land mammal in Africa, after the African elephant. Adult males can weigh up to 2,300 kilograms (5,070 pounds).
- Wide mouth grazers: Their distinctive wide, square-shaped mouths are perfectly adapted for grazing on grasses, unlike black rhinos, which have pointed lips for browsing shrubs.
- Two horns of keratin: They have two horns made entirely of keratin – the front horn is usually the largest and can grow up to 1.5 metres (4 feet 11 inches) long.
- Social and relatively calm: Unlike the more solitary black rhino, southern white rhinos are social animals, often seen in small groups called crashes.
- Ancient survivors: Rhinos have existed on Earth for over 50 million years, yet today, they face critical threats from poaching and habitat loss.
- Sensitive skin: Their thick skin – up to 5 centimetres (2 inches) – still needs protection from the sun and biting insects, which is why they love rolling in mud.
- Excellent hearing and smell: While their eyesight is poor, their sense of smell and hearing are highly developed, helping them detect danger long before they see it.
Conservation at Aquila: Protecting Southern White Rhinos
Rhino conservation is central to Aquila’s mission. South Africa is home to the largest population of southern white rhinos left in the wild, yet it remains the epicentre of the poaching crisis. Fueled by demand for rhino horn in illegal markets, poaching has decimated populations across the continent.
To combat this, Aquila established Saving Private Rhino, a dedicated anti-poaching unit and rapid response initiative designed to support reserves and protect rhinos wherever they are under threat. This programme not only trains and deploys specialised teams but also provides emergency care to rhinos affected by poaching.
Alongside Saving Private Rhino, Aquila’s Animal Rescue Centre (ARC) plays a vital role in the rehabilitation of injured or orphaned wildlife. ARC’s expert team works tirelessly to give animals a second chance – caring for them until they can safely return to their natural habitat.
Also read: What Wildlife Conservation Looks Like at Aquila Private Game Reserve
A Symbol of Hope
As our new calf grows stronger by the day, it becomes a living symbol of hope – proof that with vigilance and dedication, rhino populations can endure. In time, this little one will learn to graze independently, wallow with other rhinos and, one day, contribute to the future of the species by raising calves of its own.
Visitors to Aquila have the privilege of witnessing this journey firsthand. Every safari and overnight stay contributes to the resources needed to keep these precious animals safe. By supporting responsible tourism and conservation, you become part of this remarkable story of resilience.
Come See Our Newest Arrival – Only 2 Hours From Cape Town
Be part of this extraordinary story of hope and conservation. Join us at Aquila Private Game Reserve to witness the newest member of our Big 5 family up close.
Book your safari today and stand with us in safeguarding the future of South Africa’s rhinos.
