Texas Ranch Celebrates Third White Rhino Birth in Three

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch in Texas has announced the birth of a female southern white rhinoceros calf. The calf, named Twuda, was born on September 8 to mother Gertie and father Kutu, according to the ranch.

Based on early estimates, Twuda weighed approximately 150 pounds at birth. She measured 28 inches tall and 36 inches long.

A Milestone After Decades of Effort

This birth is the ranch's third southern white rhino calf in three years. It follows more than two decades of work aimed at achieving a first successful birth, which finally occurred in late 2023. The ranch describes the recent string of births as establishing a sustained breeding program. Twuda is reportedly among fewer than ten southern white rhino births publicly documented at U.S. Facilities so far in 2026.

For the animal-care team, the achievement is significant. Tiffany Soechting, an animal specialist at Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch, called it an extraordinary milestone. "Three calves in three years is an extraordinary milestone for our team and for the future of this species," Soechting said in a statement provided by the ranch. "Every birth matters, and seeing this kind of continued success is incredibly meaningful."

The Challenges of Rhino Reproduction

Southern white rhinos reproduce slowly, which makes consistent breeding under human care a challenge. Pregnancies last approximately 15 to 16 months and typically result in a single calf. Females generally have several years between births.

Research cited by the ranch indicates that only about one-third of southern white rhinos living in zoological settings reproduce during their lifetimes. Stephen Momberg, director of veterinary care and research programs for Save the Giraffes, explained the complexity. A southern white rhino birth is the result of years of attentive care and informed decision-making, Momberg said. The timing, herd dynamics, genetics, nutrition, space, and long-term management all have to work together.

Conservation Context and Ranch's Role

The birth occurs amid ongoing threats to wild rhino populations. These threats include poaching, habitat pressures, drought, and increasingly fragmented populations. The ranch cites International Rhino Foundation estimates that approximately 15,752 white rhinos remain across 11 African countries. This figure is down from an estimated 17,464 in 2023.

The 500-acre safari destination is home to more than 500 animals from over 40 species. Its work includes species conservation programs and veterinary collaboration. The ranch states that managed breeding programs contribute to maintaining healthy, genetically sustainable populations under professional care. These programs also support veterinary knowledge, research, and conservation education.

For Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch, Twuda's arrival represents another step in a long-term commitment. The program took over 20 years to produce its first calf.