31 March 2010
German specialists assist rhino breeding efforts

Werribee Open Range Zoo is hoping for more breeding success after an intensive three-day visit by international reproductive experts last week.

The leading team from Germany, led by Dr Thomas Hildebrandt, artificially inseminated two female rhinos and a Prezwalski horse. Both species are endangered. Captive breeding efforts will play an important role in ensuring their survival into the future.

Two female rhinos, Make and Letaba, were artificially inseminated and one female Prezwalski horse, Mahem, was inseminated also. Months of preparation had gone into preparing the animals for the treatment.

Zoo staff will be monitoring the inseminated animals over the coming months and hope to hear the pitter patter of little feet soon.

We'll keep you posted on any developments!