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A possible pregnancy at Terra Natura Benidorm

The age difference didn’t matter to the two Indian Rhinoceros in Terra Natura Benidorm. Shiwa a female rhino aged 8 and Niko aged 24 appear to have mated successfully and staff believes that Shiwa may be pregnant which would be great news as this particular species is in danger of extinction.

To be able to confirm this possible pregnancy, stool samples are collected twice a week which are frozen and then tested in a laboratory in Vienna, Austria.

The Austrian Laboratory test for an increase in hormone levels which takes approximately two weeks before the pregnancy can be confirmed.

If Shiwa is expecting, Terra Natura Benidorm will be the first zoo in Spain to form part of the small group to have achieved the reproduction of this species in captivity.

The species of Indian Rhino is in serious danger of extinction, there are approximately only 2,500 left in India and Nepal.

Niko’s advanced age didn’t seem to affect his interest for Shiwa.  Males achieve sexual maturity from 9 years of age while females reach sexual maturity at 5 years.  The species has a life expectancy of between 30 to 40 years but female fertility is considerably reduced from the age of 30.

If Shiwa’s pregnancy is confirmed, it would be 16 months until she finally gives birth in the Benidorm Zoo.

Shiwa weighs in at a hefty 1.700 kilograms and measure 1.80 metres high although she is considerable smaller than her mate Niko who weighs 2.000 kilograms, measures 2 metres high and 4 metres long.

Curiously, despite their size these animals can reach speeds of up to 56 miles per hour over short distances, and perform with agility in the water while feeding on plants located on the banks of rivers, lakes and ponds. Their hide is divided into panels resembling a shell, which is crowned by the characteristic horn 10 to 60 inches on their nose.

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