Werribee Open Range Zoo’s superstar rhino calf, Jabulani, has officially reached the tonne, now clocking in at more than 1000kg.
Consuming up to 20kg of food each day, the one-year-old southern white rhino is growing on a healthy trajectory since his birth last August.
Savannah keeper Lance Weldhagen said Jabulani was born quite small at 55kg but has made great strides.
“Jabulani was pretty small when he was born, he was just ‘feet and ears’ back then, but compared to now, he looks just like a miniature rhino at a thousand kilograms,” Mr Weldhagen said.
“Jabulani’s daily food consumption of 20 kilograms is the equivalent of around 100 big macs – but minus the fat content of a big mac – he’s on a grass diet, so a lot healthier.”
Jabulani, who is described, was born to 16-year-old father Kifaru and 12-year-old mother Kipenzi and his successful birth in August 2024.
Kipenzi, who was hand-reared herself and had never seen or experienced successful mothering, has reportedly been doing well with her calf and nurturing him.
Southern white rhinos are native to Africa and are classified as near threatened with as few as 10,080 remaining in the wild.
They face increasing threats including poaching for the illegal trade of rhino horn and habitat destruction and fragmentation as human populations and infrastructure grows.
Members and visitors to Werribee Open Range Zoo can see Jabulani and his fellow rhino crash on a Safari Bus Tour, which runs throughout the day and is included with entry.
