Hand-feeding a Black rhinoceros Diceros bicornis calf at Dvur Kralove Zoo

In December 1992 a Black rhinoceros Diceros bicornis was born to a 22-year-old ± at Dvur Kralove Zoo. Because this was her first calf and she appeared to have an under-developed udder, preparations were made for hand-rearing. The tolerant behaviour of the dam allowed us to hand-feed the calf which remained with its mother until weaning at 15 months. This paper describes the feeding formula, feeding technique and veterinary care involved.