Monarto Zoo’s youngest southern white rhino, Tundu, dead

Monarto Zoo’s youngest southern white rhino, Tundu, has died under what now seems to be traumatic circumstances.

Monarto Zoo’s youngest southern white rhino, Tundu, has tragically died.

The 18-month-old rhino was found dead on Tuesday in her enclosure, which she shared with her mother Umquali and another female and offspring.

Rhino keeper Tess Stevens with Tundu at Monarto Zoo in September 2016. Picture: Michael Marschall

Preliminary results indicate Tundu experienced significant internal blood loss — most likely from a traumatic injury — possibly caused by an incident involving the other rhinos.

Zoos SA veterinarian Dr Dave McLelland said they would wait for the results of laboratory tests to determine the cause of death.

“Tundu had some bruising over her ribs,” Dr McLelland said.

“She also had a massive haemorrhage from her diaphragm into the chest cavity.

“One possible scenario is that Tundu may have been wedged between two older rhinos during rough play, which led to her sustaining these injuries.”

Tundu was one of five white rhinos bred at Monarto, and was the last to be born in September 2015.

Mother Umquali and zoo keepers are mourning the loss.

White rhinos are known to be placid and friendly in nature compared to black rhinos.

Dr McLelland said the crash — a collective name for rhinos — had got along really well.

“It was probably more a case of Tundu sadly being in the wrong place at the wrong time,” he said.

Despite the heartbreaking loss, keepers remain committed to ensuring the future of this near-threatened species and will continue to provide them with a safe haven, and breeding program on site.