Zoofari Parks Welcomes First Second-Generation Rhino Birth

Baby rhino Kipenzi joins the herd at the Gulf Breeze Zoo

Information courtesy of Zoofari Parks

Gulf Breeze, Fla. (Sept. 19, 2025) – Zoofari Parks, LLC is thrilled to announce the birth of Kipenzi, the first second-generation southern white rhinoceros calf born within Zoofari Parks’ breeding program and the third calf to be born at the Gulf Breeze Zoo. Her mother, Khaleesi—born at the Virginia Safari Park in 2015—is the daughter of a female directly imported from South Africa.

With Kipenzi’s July 24 arrival, Zoofari Parks celebrates not only a new life but also the next chapter in its long-term rhino conservation work. Rhino gestation is 16 months, which slows population recovery and makes every birth a reason to celebrate.

Kipenzi stands beside her mother, Khaleesi, at the Gulf Breeze Zoo in Gulf Breeze, Fla. Khaleesi, born at Virginia Safari Park in 2015, is the daughter of one of Zoofari Parks’ first imports from South Africa. (Photo by Rob Renfrow/Zoofari Parks)

Southern white rhinos were once on the verge of extinction with fewer than 100 in the wild at the start of the 20th century. Thanks to global conservation efforts, their numbers have grown to around 16,800 individuals across 11 African countries. Poaching, however, continues to threaten their future.

“Kipenzi is sassy, spunky and very curious. She loves her mud wallows, morning zoomies and running with her mom,” said Adrianne Leopard, Gulf Breeze Zoo general curator. “Rhino calves typically weigh between 80 and 140 pounds at birth and Kipenzi already weighs more than 200 pounds. Khaleesi is a phenomenal first-time mom and it’s truly an honor to be part of this journey.”

Zoofari Parks’ commitment to rhino conservation includes two major importations of young white rhinos from South Africa and Namibia, strengthening the genetic diversity of the U.S. population. To date, Zoofari Parks has welcomed 12 rhino calves with several females expecting calves in 2026. Today, Zoofari Parks maintains thriving herds of white rhinos at the Gulf Breeze Zoo, Virginia Safari Park and Texas Zoofari Park.

Kipenzi’s grandmother, Kya, was among the first rhinos imported by Zoofari Parks and remains a vital part of the breeding program. “I watched Kya deliver Khaleesi and saw her first steps,” said Sarah Friedel, Virginia Safari Park director. “With Khaleesi becoming a mother at the Gulf Breeze Zoo, Kya’s legacy is the success of Zoofari Parks’ conservation vision.”

Kipenzi explores a mud puddle at the Gulf Breeze Zoo in Gulf Breeze, Fla. The playful calf is the third rhino born at the zoo and marks a milestone for Zoofari Parks’ conservation efforts. (Photo by Rob Renfrow/Zoofari Parks)

Beyond breeding, Zoofari Parks supports wild rhino conservation through donations to the International Rhino Foundation. The IRF works to protect all five rhino species through habitat preservation, anti-poaching initiatives and partnerships with local communities in Africa and Asia.

Visitors to the Gulf Breeze Zoo can see Kipenzi and the rest of the herd from both the safari train and the Zoo’s boardwalk.

About Zoofari Parks

Zoofari Parks—through its Virginia Safari Park, Gulf Breeze Zoo, Alabama Safari Park and Texas Zoofari Park—is dedicated to wildlife conservation through public education, captive breeding programs, habitat preservation and direct financial support of projects in the field. Funding for conservation programs is made possible through the continued support of zoo guests. Conservation is fundamental in our daily operations and visitors are encouraged to join us in making a difference on this journey.

About The Gulf Breeze Zoo

The Gulf Breeze Zoo is one of four zoological facilities operated by the Zoofari Parks, LLC, alongside the Alabama Safari Park, the Virginia Safari Park and the Texas Zoofari Park.Together, the parks have provided conservation donations supporting projects in more than 135 countries worldwide.

The Gulf Coast Area’s award-winning Gulf Breeze Zoo is home to more than 1,000 animals, many of them threatened and endangered. The Zoo is privately owned and receives no state or federal tax support. Through admissions and animal encounters, every guest contributes to conservation programs.

The Zoo opens at 9 a.m. daily and is located just off Highway 98. Visit www.GBZoo.com for event updates, seasonal hours and more.