Southern white rhino will move to another accredited zoo as part of a national effort to increase genetic diversity.
IRMO – Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is preparing to say goodbye to Bill, its male Southern white rhino, who will soon move to another Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)-accredited facility as part of a national effort to increase genetic diversity among the species.
The move is being coordinated through the White Rhino Species Survival Plan (SSP), which makes breeding recommendations to help maintain a healthy and genetically diverse population.
Born Aug. 29, 2004, Bill has called Riverbanks home for many years. He is known for his calm, easygoing personality and his appreciation for a sunny spot, a deep mud wallow or a good scratch from his motion-sensing brush.
“Bill’s personality is very calm and easygoing, and he loves maximizing his relaxation,” said Codyrose Bowen, a Hoofstock/Pinniped keeper who has worked with Bill for years. “He’s well-known as the rhino most likely to be seen lying flat-out on the yard in the sun.”
Bowen said Bill sometimes spends entire hot days in his mud wallow, occasionally emerging for snacks with a distinctive sound.
Bill’s appetite has also made him a willing training partner. He has participated in several animal care and research activities, including wearing an activity tracker as part of the American Institute of Rhinoceros Science (AIRS) project, which monitored rhinos’ steps and activity levels.
He is also an experienced participant in blood draws and plasma collection.
“Bill is also great at blood draw, so much so that we have a plasma bank of rhino blood for rhinos in need,” Bowen said.
Bill is expected to continue donating plasma after his move. Riverbanks staff will help train his new care team in the proper techniques so he can continue contributing to the program.
Following Bill’s departure, Riverbanks’ Animal Care team will await an SSP selection for a new male to join the zoo’s crash of rhinos.
Guests are encouraged to visit Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in the coming weeks to wish Bill well before he begins his next chapter.
For updates, visit riverbanks.org
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