Experts have installed two infrared cameras in the Rhino's stable to monitor the animal before the imminent birth which they believe will take place between 15th of January - 20th February 2012.
Professionals from the animal and nature park Terra Natura in Benidorm have installed a surveillance system to monitor Shiwa the Indian rhinoceros, before the imminent birth of her calf.
Experts predict that the birth will takes place sometime between January 15th and February 20th. If all goes well this will be the first Indian Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) born in Spain.
To be able to detect the start of Shiwa's labor and record the subsequent birth, two cameras have been installed in the shelter which will operate day and night.
The surveillance system is remote controlled and will allow the Terra Natura staff to monitor Shiwa's pregnancy in the final weeks. The floor of her shelter has been covered with wood shavings in preparation for the delivery. The rhino is monitored throughout the night and during these nocturnal visits staff use torches to prepare the rhino for their use during the delivery. These night time visits will increase over the final weeks until she is being checked two or three times per night.
In preparation for the delivery, vets are encouraging Shiwa to lie down so she can scratch and examine her shelter. This way she will become familiar with it and with the presence of the vets and remain calm when they approach and monitor her during labor.
Female Rhinos tend to become nervous, lose their appetite and sometimes become aggressive on delivery day. From the onset of these signs, usually 12 to 16 hours elapse until the actual birth
Once the vets observe these signs they will allow Shiwa to roam around the meadow to aid the natural development of her labor.
Rhino deliveries can last from 20 minutes to two hours. They are usually quick and uncomplicated due to the shape of the calf. Once born it takes the calf about 30 minutes to stand up although it can sometimes take up to an hour to actually achieve it.
Exbenidorm
