Experts at Terra Natura, the animal and nature park in Benidorm introduce young Susto to another female rhino.

 

Susto caused quite a stir when he was born in Terra Natura in Benidorm in February 2012, as he is the only Indian Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) to be born in captivity in Spain.

Before he was conceived his mother Shiwa shared her enclosure with another adult female called Nisha.  Both females came to the Benidorm park in 2004 and were only apart when taken to mate and then during Shiwa’s pregnancy.

Since Susto’s birth, mother and calf have lived alone to avoid any possible attacks from Nisha but the time has now come for the two adults to be reunited and Susto introduced to other adult rhinos.   Susto needs to adapt to other members of the species to be able to develop both physically and psychologically. 

Mother and calf appeared calm when reunited with Nisha, but Nisha had other ideas and there was a moment of tension when she threatened the mother and calf.

Shiwa protected her offspring admirable and now staff from Terra Natura will pay close attention to their behavioural patterns over the next few days and will separate them again if the aggressive behaviour continues and then reintroduce them again until they become familiar with each other again.

Watch the video of Susto’s birth.

Read previous articles:-

Great Expectations in Terra Natura Benidorm

Terra Natura Benidorm confirms pregnancy of an Indian Rhino

Terra Natura Benidorm install a camera system to monitor the imminent birth of a baby rhino

Baby Indian Rhino born in Terra Natura Benidorm.