Hamilton Zoo's 'determined' rhino baby takes charge

The new baby boy is doing well alongside mum Kito (Hamilton Zoo)
The new baby boy is doing well alongside mum Kito (Hamilton Zoo)

If you listen closely, you'll soon hear the rather large pitter-patter of Hamilton Zoo's latest addition to its white rhino herd.

The male southern white rhino was born in late June to third-time mother Kito, and weather permitting, could be on show in time for the school holidays.

Ungulates (hooved animals) team leader Aaron Gilmore says the "determined little guy" is healthy and keenly gaining weight.

His mum Kito gave birth to Ubuntu in 2010, who was initially blind and needed the care of keepers until his eyesight cleared. Another female was stillborn in 2013.

The latest birth takes the zoo's current herd to six, though there have been seven born at the zoo.

Ubuntu and another male, Kifaru, were sent to the National Zoo and Aquarium in Canberra, Inkosi and Mtoto, also males, were taken to Auckland Zoo.

Meanwhile, females Imani and Jamila are still in Hamilton.

The species was decimated by hunters and thought to be extinct in the late 19th century, but a small population of fewer than 100 were found in South Africa in 1895.

Since then, after 121 years of protection and management, they're considered "near threatened" in the wild.

The animals, which now number around 20,000 in game reserves and protected areas, are still hunted for their horns which are said to contain medicinal properties.

Newshub.