When the female shows interest in the male she is put with him until mating activity has ceased. When the female is in oestrous, the male calls to her, making sounds like a deep sigh.
Sydney Zoo. One female suckling a calf became pregnant three months after giving birth. Unfortunately she aborted three months later.
Sydney Zoo. Oestrous seems to last several days, with an approximately 18-day oestrous cycle. When the female shows intrest in the male she is put with him until mating activity has ceased. When the female is in oestrous, the male calls to her, making sounds like a deep sigh.
In July 1966, there were 1/6 black rhino in Sydney. In recent years 6 (1/5) rhino have been born at Sydney, including one second generation birth in captivity.
Gestation period. 17 months, just over, Sydney Zoo, 4 cases
Gestation period. 15 months, Sydney Zoo, 1 case, but the female may have been pregnant when copulation was observed
Sydney Zoo. Copulation lasts 15 to 40 minutes or more. Occasionally it is shorter than 15 minutes. After copulation the marks of the bull's front feet on the female's back can be clearly seen. They are much quieter after copulation.
Sydney Zoo. Preliminary play is very rough and very often they cut each other with their horns. However, despite this fighting they are in fact less aggressive than when the female is not in oestrous. This may go on for hours before mating.
