Baby rhinoceros explores outdoor zoo in Australia – KYMA

(CBS, KYMA/KECY) – Staff at Werribee Open Range Zoo near Melbourne celebrated Oct. 17 after a baby rhino born in August experienced its “first adventures in the savannah” after eight weeks behind closed doors, according to a news release had from Zoos Victoria.

The southern white rhino, which the zoo says is “the first successfully mother-reared calf born in Victoria in more than 20 years,” was born in August and given the name Jabulani, a Zulu word, in September , which means “joy,” after thousands of people voted online.

This video from the zoo shows Jabulani “curiously exploring the 30-acre site.” [74-acre] “An African-inspired habitat among herds of giraffe, zebra, ostrich and antelope,” said Zoos Victoria.

Before venturing into the savannah, Jabulani had built up strength and a bond with his mother Kipenzi “to prepare him for this very moment,” said Dominic Moss, life sciences manager at Werribee Open Range Zoo.

“We are thrilled to share this special milestone with our members and visitors to Zoo Victoria,” Moss said.

According to Zoo Victoria, southern white rhinos are “classified as near threatened and it is estimated that only 10,080 southern white rhinos remain in the wild.”