Emily, one of our resident white rhinos, gave birth in the early hours of the morning on Saturday 13th April 2013 to a healthy female calf.

The calf was named through a competition which took place between our valued supporters who were asked to put forward meaningful or African names. After a lot of thought and discussion, keepers decided upon ‘Pembe’, submitted by Stephanie Lee from Hockley in Essex.

This is the first rhino calf to be born through a natural mating at Colchester Zoo and is also Emily and Otto’s first calf! Pembe was born with a large birthmark under her left front leg which is perfectly normal. Curator Sarah Forsyth comments ‘Emily is proving to be a very protective but excellent mother and Pembe is very healthy and already building a close relationship with her keepers.’

We are gradually introducing Pembe into the paddock. She is being very playful in the paddock and you can watch her as she charges around with mum, Emily, not far behind!

Pembe has currently met the other female rhino, our crowned cranes, ostrich and kudu. Pembe is still yet to meet different combinations of giraffes and zebras along with the other African animals. Once Pembe and Emily are happy with each species they will be mixed altogether.

Keeper Jo Row explained why the team chose Pembe as her name, ‘We all liked ‘Pembe’ because it means ‘horn’ in Swahili and thought it was a pretty name. Another reason for choosing this name is because rhino’s are currently being hunted for their horn and felt that this was a fighting name for the species.’

Pembe has enjoyed her first wallow since being mixed with the other female rhinos in the paddock. Wallowing is when the rhino rolls in mud to cover its skin; this is very important as it is a way for them to keep cool and also maintain their skin as the mud acts in a similar way to a moisturiser which we would use to keep our skin healthy and soft.

If you visit the Kingdom of the Wild paddock and the animal you wish to see isn’t currently outside, simply pop back later in the day or ask a keeper when would be the best time to return.

Keeper, Jo Row expressed her excitement, ‘This birth is brilliant news not just for Colchester Zoo but also for conservation. Emily is taking motherhood in her stride and baby has such a great character. It is a great privilege to be a part of the life of this new arrival and we look forward to watching baby develop and grow!’

The white rhino is listed as near threatened on the IUCN red list. Due to the current poaching crisis this birth is vital to the survival of this species and Colchester Zoo is proud to be part of conserving this magnificent mammal.