The Valencian animal conservation park houses the largest controlled breeding group in Spain within the international rhino conservation program.
For many years it was one of the most anticipated scoops at BIOPARC Valencia and finally the announcement can be made advanced stage of pregnancy of a rhinoceros. The objective of BIOPARCs as "parks of life" is the conservation of nature, raising awareness in society and protecting biodiversity, acting directly in the preservation of endangered species. In this sense, participation in the 100 international conservation programs for endangered species is essential, among which is the southern white rhino (Ceratotherium simum simum), in which the Valencian park has been involved since its opening in 2008.
The reproductive difficulties of this species, included on the IUCN Red List, are great news for its survival, as the female, Kwanza, is already 11 months pregnant.
The difficulty in breeding this emblematic species has been proven, and only thanks to international collaboration, the tenacity of the entire technical team, and the application of scientific criteria has Kwanza, one of the youngest females, been bred. Following the recommendations of the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) for rhinoceroses, In 2023, BIOPARC Valencia formed the largest group in Spain with one male and three females.: Martin, 32 years old (who has a brood of 16 children), Nombula, 21 years old, and Ami and Kwanza, both 7 years old.
The adaptation was very positive and in the spring of 2024 the effects began to be observed. first copulations, which was cause for optimism. In this way, Veterinary and animal care staff intensified a complicated monitoring protocol Through medical training that allows for hormonal control of progesterone. Professional knowledge facilitates the application of animal handling techniques that guarantee their maximum well-being. Continuous blood tests are performed, which have allowed us not only to confirm pregnancy but also to monitor the female's health and even perform weekly ultrasounds to further monitor the development of the fetus.
“Repressed enthusiasm” is the feeling of the staff who, like Kwanza, are new to this new challenge, although the success of the two elephant births (Makena and Malik, ages 2 and 1, respectively) gives them confidence. The gestation period of the rhinoceros is about 480 days (16 months) and the female is currently in her 11th month, so birth is expected this coming fall.
As a preventive measure and to reinforce supervision, cameras have been installed in the interior areas so that, as the time approaches, they can be monitored. monitor behavior 24 hours a dayPregnancies are risky situations and births are even more so, so it is important to remain cautious, but it is undoubtedly news that brings great hope to this subspecies of rhinoceros included in the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) Red List.
BIOPARC's impressive multi-species enclosure recreates the savannah, allowing visitors to see rhinos alongside various birds and the striking zebras.
Poaching is the greatest danger that stalks this iconic giant that has a population of around 15.000 southern white rhinoceros individuals and a very worrying downward trend. The killings to amputate their greedy horn, which is given completely unfounded medicinal properties (given that its composition is keratin like our hair or nails), have the terrible result the disappearance of an average of 1.000 rhinos each year.
In addition to active conservation, the educational and outreach work of the BIOPARCs in Valencia, Fuengirola, and the Gijón Aquarium, as well as the Foundation, is essential. The opportunity to admire the beauty of this wild nature is crucial to mobilizing efforts to protect it. In Valencia, the extraordinary multi-species enclosure recreating the savannah offers a unique view of rhinos living alongside Hartmann's zebras (Equus zebra hartmannae) and peculiar birds like the marabou (Leptoptiles crumeniferus), the Pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus) and the sacred ibis (Threskiornis aethiopicus).
