As civilization advanced, the number of White Rhinos was rapidly reduced, so that by the end of the century fears were expressed concerning its survival. Fortunately it was learned in 1894 that a few had still survived in Zululand. In Zululand it was thought that only about a dozen head were left. Richard Lydekker, in a book published in 1917, did not seem to think there was any hope of the Zululand herd surviving. Fortunately with strict governmental protection the small herd has steadily and rapidly increased, and about 200 White Rhinos are believed to be living now in Zululand.
In South Africa, the White Rhinoceros ceased to exist in Bechuanaland some time ago.
Pretoria Zoo - 2 week old female. There is practically no hair on her except for a nice little tuft on the tip of her tail.
In South Africa, the White Rhi- noceros ceased to exist in Bechuanaland some time ago, and possibly in Southern Rhodesia.
Fortunately with strict governmental protection the small herd has steadily and rapidly increased, and about 200 White Rhinos are believed to be living now in Zululand.
Pretoria Zoo - 2 week old female. As will be seen in the photograph the head is relatively large and the legs well developed. When standing drinking out of her bottle, she holds much of the weight of the body on the front toes, the lateral toes being off the ground.
Pretoria Zoo - 2 week old female. As will be seen in the photograph the head is relatively large and the legs well developed. When standing drinking out of her bottle, she holds much of the weight of the body on the front toes, the lateral toes being off the ground.
Pretoria Zoo - 2 week old female. As will be seen in the photograph the head is relatively large and the legs well developed. When standing drinking out of her bottle, she holds much of the weight of the body on the front toes, the lateral toes being off the ground.
Why the early Boers called it the White rhinoceros might seem difficult to understand, as there is really little difference in color. The true reason appears to be that the White Rhinoceros lived on the plains and was fond of wallowing in any river or muddy swamp, so that its skin was often covered with mud. When the mud dried, the skin appeared from a distance to be a light fawn color.
Why the early Boers called it the White rhinoceros might seem difficult to understand, as there is really little difference in color. The true reason appears to be that the White Rhinoceros lived on the plains and was fond of wallowing in any river or muddy swamp, so that its skin was often covered with mud. When the mud dried, the skin appeared from a distance to be a light fawn color.
Pretoria Zoo - 2 week old female. As will be seen in the photograph the head is relatively large and the legs well developed. When standing drinking out of her bottle, she holds much of the weight of the body on the front toes, the lateral toes being off the ground.
Pretoria Zoo - 2 week old female. There is practically no hair on her except for a nice little tuft on the tip of her tail.
Just recently it was resolved to make a rearrangement of the reserves, one being reduced in size and the other enlarged. When part of the herd of rhinos was shifted from one reserve to the other, a recently born young one was left behind. It was guarded from the hyenas in the hope that the mother might return, but as she did not come back, Dr. Bigalke of the Pretoria Zoological Gardens was notified. He acted with the greatest promptness and sent a motor lorry with a well-padded crate through the night 400 miles to Zululand. The little rhino, a female, was rescued and brought safely to Pretoria. She is quite strong on her legs and goes about actively. At present she has only one wish, milk, milk, and more milk.
Pretoria Zoo - 2 week old female. Her weight 75 pounds.
Pretoria Zoo - 2 week old female. Her height is two feet six inches.
