Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch (NBWR) proudly announced the birth of Rudy, a male southern white rhinoceros, born to parents Gertie and Kutu on September 2, 2024. This joyous event follows the birth of his half-sister, Truda, in November 2023, making Rudy the second rhino calf born at NBWR in under a year—a remarkable achievement for the facility's conservation efforts.

“Rudy’s energetic and playful demeanor is a symbol of hope for the preservation of white rhinos,” said Tiffany Soechting, NBWR’s Animal Husbandry Director. The back-to-back births highlight the critical success of NBWR’s rhino breeding program, which is helping combat the species' decline in the wild.

The White Rhino Extinction Crisis

Southern white rhinos, once pushed to the brink of extinction, are now classified as near-threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The species faces relentless threats, primarily due to illegal poaching for their horns, which has driven severe population declines. Today, fewer than 16,800 southern white rhinos remain in the wild, predominantly in protected reserves and private lands in South Africa.

The northern white rhino, a subspecies, is functionally extinct, with only two females remaining. Conservationists are racing against time to prevent the southern white rhino from facing a similar fate. Programs like NBWR’s breeding initiatives are critical in turning the tide for these majestic animals.

Growing the Crash: A Collaborative Effort

NBWR is one of fewer than 30 zoological facilities in the U.S. to successfully breed southern white rhinos. The facility’s dedication to conservation extends beyond its gates. In collaboration with experts like Dr. François Deacon, a leading wildlife habitat specialist in South Africa, and partnerships with facilities in Namibia, NBWR continues to push the boundaries of rhino conservation.

In 2021, NBWR received permits from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to import two young female rhinos, Helga and Gertie. Helga is Truda’s mother, while Gertie gave birth to Rudy. Recently, NBWR expanded its crash—rhino herd—with the addition of two females, Agnes and Cora, imported from Namibia. These young rhinos are acclimating to their new home and will join the breeding program when they reach reproductive maturity in four years.

“As they mature, we are optimistically anticipating sharing more birth announcements,” said Soechting.

Collaborating to Save Rhinos

To strengthen its conservation efforts, NBWR staff and veterinarians traveled to South Africa in September to work with private rhino reserves and wildlife experts. This collaboration included training on rhino healthcare, satellite tagging to prevent poaching, and studying large free-roaming rhino populations.

"We know that collaborating on a deeper level to save white rhinos is the next step," said Soechting.

Connecting People to Conservation

NBWR’s mission goes beyond breeding and protecting endangered species; it also focuses on educating the public. Visitors can experience rhinos up close and learn about their plight, fostering a personal connection that inspires conservation action.

“A big part of what we feel is important for endangered species is giving people the opportunity to connect with them,” said Soechting. “Reading about endangered animals is one thing, but experiencing them firsthand creates a much stronger connection.”

About Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch

Established in 1984 and recognized as a Texas Land Heritage property, NBWR spans 450 acres of Texas Hill Country. It is home to over 800 animals from 40 exotic, native, and endangered species, including southern white rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeests. Guests can drive through the six miles of paved roads to observe animals in a natural, free-roaming environment.

NBWR’s groundbreaking giraffe breeding program, known for the rare birth of twins in 2013, and its successful rhino conservation initiatives have earned it international recognition. The ranch remains dedicated to preserving wildlife and educating future generations on the importance of conservation.

For more information, visit www.WildlifeRanchTexas.com.