At The Wilds, we are thrilled to celebrate a monumental milestone—our beloved rhino calves are turning one!
Over the past year, these six incredible youngsters have grown, developed their own personalities, and made lasting impressions on guests and staff alike. From playful antics to unique quirks, each rhino brings something special to our conservation family. Let’s take a moment to reflect on their journeys and celebrate their first birthdays.
Let's meet the rhino calves!
Stella
- Greater One-Horned Rhino
- Born September 22, 2023
- Mother: Anna Father: Suru
Stella has captured hearts with her larger-than-life personality, and she’s developed a deep affection for people. So much so, that she often holds up safari tours by napping against the vehicles! Stella doesn’t mind being the center of attention and has a particular fondness for her bottle, though she’s been known to stand her ground when her big sister tries to steal it.
Stella’s story is a unique one. Following medical complications her mother experienced after birth, the Animal Management team at The Wilds made the decision to hand-rear and bottle-feed Stella to give her mother, Anna, time to heal. This was the first rhino hand-reared in the history of The Wilds.
Poppy
- Southern White Rhino
- Born September 23, 2023
- Mother: Anan Father: Kengele
Poppy, daughter of our first fourth-generation rhino, Anan, is the “big kid” of the group. Independent and confident, she was the first to explore the open pastures and quickly made friends with the eland and deer that share her space. Poppy’s adventurous spirit and leadership have made her a standout, and she continues to inspire awe with her fearless demeanor.
Pork Chop
- Greater One-Horned Rhino
- Born November 25, 2023
- Mother: Sanya Father: Suru
Lovingly named for his stocky build, Pork Chop has lived up to his name! This rotund calf is notorious for stealing his mom’s food and maintaining his hefty physique. He’s become a favorite with visitors, who are charmed by his playful, food-loving nature. As the 11th greater one-horned rhino calf born at The Wilds, Pork Chop is both a symbol of our conservation success and a bundle of joy.
Axl Rose
- Southern White Rhino
- Born December 16, 2023
- Mother: Agnes Rose Father: Kengele
Axl Rose is our gentle giant. Despite his impressive size, this sweet boy loves attention and is a self-proclaimed “mama’s boy.” He can often be seen sticking close to his mother, Agnes Rose, and seeking out pats and affection from staff and guests. His calm and docile nature make him a visitor favorite.
Socks
- Southern White Rhino
- Born January 14, 2024
- Mother: Boots Father: Roscoe
Socks is the fearless little one of the group! Though small, she doesn’t let that stop her from trying to stand off with the adult rhinos. Outgoing and full of confidence, Socks has a big personality that defies her size. She’s always up for adventure and can often be seen curiously exploring her surroundings or engaging in playful antics with the other calves.
Mable
- Southern White Rhino
- Born February 5, 2024
- Mother: Kate Father: Kengele
Mable may be quiet, but she’s incredibly inquisitive. As the 33rd southern white rhino calf born at The Wilds (and the 13th fifth-generation calf!), Mable marks a significant achievement in our breeding program. Her thoughtful and investigative nature sets her apart—whether she’s interacting with her rhino companions or inspecting her habitat, Mable always seems to be learning something new.
Spotlight on the Greater One-Horned Rhino
The greater one-horned rhino (also known as the Indian rhino) is a true conservation success story. Once numbering fewer than 200 in the wild at the beginning of the 20th century, focused conservation efforts have helped their population grow to nearly 3,500. These rhinos are easily recognized by their single horn and thick, armor-like skin.
- Height: 4.9 to 6.2 feet
- Length: 10.3 to 12.7 feet
- Weight: 3,520 to 4,840 pounds
Once on the brink of extinction, greater one-horned rhinos are still considered vulnerable, but thanks to breeding programs like ours at The Wilds, the species has a much brighter future. These gentle giants live in our expansive pastures as part of an active breeding herd, ensuring the survival of future generations.
Spotlight on the Southern White Rhino
The southern white rhino is the second largest land animal after the elephant. Their story of survival is also remarkable—by the late 1800s, this species was nearly wiped out by poaching, with only around 20 individuals left. Thanks to dedicated conservation efforts, the population now numbers over 18,000, although they remain near threatened.
- Height: 5 to 6.2 feet
- Length: 11.2 to 14 feet
- Weight: 3,080 to 6,000 pounds
At The Wilds, we’re proud to be home to a thriving southern white rhino population. The Wilds is also the home base for the American Institute of Rhinoceros Science (AIRS), a multi-institution collaboration to study the challenges of maintaining sustainable rhino populations in professional care.
A Year of Growth and Hope
In just one year, these six rhinos have grown not only in size but also in personality. Their unique traits and interactions with each other and the environment are a testament to the importance of conservation efforts. As part of our breeding program, these calves are helping ensure a future for their species, some of which have been on the brink of extinction.
Conservation in Action
Rhinos remain some of the most endangered species on the planet, and the births of these calves represent the success of global conservation efforts. The Wilds plays a crucial role in the survival of both greater one-horned rhinos and southern white rhinos through breeding and active participation in Species Survival Plans (SSP) led by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
How You Can Get Involved
Want to help make a difference for wildlife like Stella, Poppy, Pork Chop, Axl Rose, Socks, and Mable? Here are a few ways you can support The Wilds and our conservation mission:
- Donate: Every contribution helps us provide the best care for our animals and fund essential research and conservation efforts.
- Become a Member: Join The Wilds and see our rhinos grow all summer long with exclusive member benefits, including discounts on specialty tours.
- Volunteer: Whether you’re a teen or an adult, you can join our team of dedicated volunteers to help protect wildlife and make an impact in conservation.
Donate Become a Member Volunteer
For more information on supporting our rhino conservation efforts, visit The Wilds.
Join Us in Celebrating Their First Year!
These youngsters will grow up to be ambassadors of their species. From Stella’s sociable personality to Pork Chop’s playful demeanor, the rhinos at The Wilds are visitor favorites, and they’re helping spread awareness about the importance of rhino conservation.
As we celebrate the first birthdays of these amazing rhino calves, we invite you to come see them in person and witness the incredible work being done to protect rhinos and other endangered species. Book a tour today and meet the next generation of rhino ambassadors at The Wilds!
Open-Air Safari Wildside Tour Rhino Barn Tour Winter Wildside Tour
Whether you’re following us on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn, be sure to stay tuned as we highlight each of our rhinos on their special day throughout the year. From all of us at The Wilds, thank you for being part of this important conservation journey!
