Southern White Rhino ("Bull")
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| Species | Ceratotherium Simum |
|---|---|
| Breed | White rhinoceros |
| Sex | Male |
| Born |
Mtondo 1963 South Africa |
| Died | 2009 (aged 45-46) Toronto Zoo |
| Resting place |
Royal Ontario Museum 43°40′03″N 79°23′39″W / 43.6675°N 79.3942°W |
| Years active | 35 |
| Known for | Conservation success story |
| Training | Responds to keeper's calls |
| Offspring | Shamboola, Abeeku, Atu |
| Weight | 4,500 lb |
| Height | 5 ft (152 cm) tall, 11ft long |
| Appearance | Long lifespan lead to notably large horns |
The Southern white rhino ("Bull") is a famous conservation success story for his species.Southern white rhinos were thought to be extinct in the late 1800s until a small herd was discovered. Since then, Rhinos like Bull have been part of various international breeding programs and as a result, their population is now close to 20,000, classifying them as Near Threatened and making them the only species of rhinoceros that is not endangered.
Bull was born in South Africa and was eventually moved to North America where he lived in the San Diego Wild Animal Park and Toronto Zoo until his death in 2008. He can now be seen in the Schad Gallery of Biodiversity in the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) in Toronto as part of the museum’s collection of Iconic Objects.
Bull was born in wild in South Africa, and for this reason, his age can only be estimated. However, after undergoing a series of examinations, specialists were able to estimate the Rhino’s age to be around 9–10 years at the time of his capture, so his birth year was recorded to be from 1963. Although white rhinos are protected in South Africa, Bull and many others were taken into captivity under a breeding program in order to ensure the survival of the species should an unexpected disaster befall the main population.
At the time of the Rhino’s capture, he was named “Mtondo”, which translates from Zulu as a term for male reproductive organs.
Shortly after his capture, Mtondo was moved to different locations across North America, where he was studied as part of a conservation effort. His first North American home was the San Diego Wild Animal Park Zoo. He remained at this location until 1974, when he was transferred to the Toronto Zoo in Ontario, Canada.
Following his time in the San Diego Wild Animal Park, the rhino spent the remainder of his life in the Toronto Zoo, with Ron Gilmore acting as his keeper.
Upon arriving at the Toronto Zoo, Mtondo’s name was officially changed to “Bull”. Although unconfirmed, it is believed that this was due to the sexual nature of the previous name, which was deemed unfitting.
Throughout his life, Bull was found to be gentle towards humans and would approach the front of his enclosure, allowing zoo visitors to pet him. He became especially close with his keeper, Ron and would respond to the sound of his voice. On two separate occasions, faults were discovered in Bull’s enclosure, but instead of fleeing, the rhino could be calmly called over by his keeper. Around other rhinos however, Bull was often aggressive. He was known to hit other males, along with females with his horns if provoked.
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Wikipedia