A southern white rhino calf has been born at South Australia's Monarto Zoo, helping the worldwide efforts to save the near threatened species.
Imani was born early on Monday and, along with mother Umqali, is doing well.
"We're absolutely thrilled to welcome this beautiful young calf to Monarto Zoo and pleased that her arrival is contributing to the insurance population of such a remarkable species," zoo director Peter Clark said.
"Sadly, with the poaching rate now exceeding the birth rate of rhinos in Africa, it's heartbreaking that rhinos are facing some serious trouble in the wild."
Umqali with newborn, Imani. Source: Geoff Brooks/Zoos SA
"Experts predict that if we don't act now, they may be extinct in less than 10 years."
Monarto Zoo keeper Haidee Kinter said the team had been preparing for the arrival of the baby girl for a few weeks.
"Umqali had been showing hormonal signs that she was getting close to giving birth, so we had been eagerly keeping an eye on her," Ms Kinter said.
"Towards the end of her pregnancy, we were lucky enough to see some calf movement in her belly which was incredibly special.
"Now that the calf has arrived we are very pleased that Umqali is being a fantastic mother and the pair are doing well and appear very relaxed."
The calf's name, Imani, means faith in Swahili.
