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North Carolina Zoo Welcomes Two New Baby Rhinoceroses

The baby southern white rhinoceros born at the NC Zoo on July 2, 2018. Photo courtesy NC Zoo.

In the last few weeks, the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro has welcomed not one, but two new additions to its southern white rhinoceros herd. 

The babies are the first rhinos to be born at the zoo in over 40 years.

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A second baby rhinoceros was born to mother Kit on July 13th. Photo credit: North Carolina Zoo

One arrived on July 2 to mother Linda and father Stormy. And the second was born on July 13 to Kit and Stormy.

The herd and its new calves live in a 40-acre habitat along with eight different species of antelope and an ostrich.

Zookeeper Stacy Weatherly says the zoo is currently looking to name the first baby, and each keeper gave a suggestion.

“We have Boadicea, Diana, Grace O'Malley, Mamba, Nandi, Penelope, and Wilhemina," she says. "Most of them are all strong women; they were all queens or generals in war or leaders."  

The public can vote for their favorite on the zoo's Facebook page.

The rhinos weighed around 90 to 100 pounds at birth and could grow to be anywhere from 3,000 to 6,000 pounds as mature adults. Both mothers and babies are healthy and doing well.

Bethany is WFDD's editorial director. She joined the staff in the fall of 2012. She received her B.A. and M.A. in English Literature from Wake Forest University. Between undergraduate studies and graduate school, Bethany served as the intern to Talk of the Nation at NPR in D.C., participating in live NPR Election Night Coverage, Presidential debate broadcasts, regular Talk of the Nation shows, and helping to plan the inaugural broadcast of ‘Talk of the World.' She enjoys engaging with her interests in books, politics, and art in the interdisciplinary world of public radio. Before becoming editorial director, Bethany was assistant news Director, a reporter and associate producer for WFDD's Triad Arts and Triad Arts Weekend. Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, Bethany enjoys calling the Piedmont home.

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