Auckland Zoo welcomes first baby rhino in 20 years
A healthy female baby rhino has been born at Auckland Zoo.
The southern white rhino calf was delivered on August 14, and it marks the first rhino birth at the zoo in 20 years.
Auckland Zoo ungulates team leader Tommy Karlsson witnessed the “exciting and nerve-wracking” birth that has been heavily anticipated by staff.
“It was very smooth and very fast, and Jamila did a brilliant job by giving a couple of really good pushes to get her baby here,” he said.
“Her calf was walking within 25 minutes and suckling well by the afternoon. She’s pretty sturdy, her belly is filling out and she’s already getting a lot rounder.”
Karlsson estimates the baby rhino’s weight at 65 kilograms.
The rhino’s mother Jamila went through a 16 month pregnancy and one hour of labour, with her water breaking at 7am and the delivery of her calf occurring at 7.59am.
Regional Facilities Auckland chief executive Chris Brooks said it is a rare and exiting privilege welcoming a new baby rhino.
“Auckland Zoo supports the recovery of rhino populations in Zimbabwe and in Sumatra,” he said.
“Thanks to the Australasian zoos’ breeding programme, we have been able to bring one more southern white rhino into the world.”
Karlsson said it is still early days, and Jamila and her calf are not yet out on the Savannah.
“We take Jamila’s lead to do this at the pace she is comfortable with, and once she’s ready, we can’t wait for visitors to see Jamila’s calf for themselves,” he said.
“Rhino are such an incredible species that are still doing it tough in the wild, both in Africa and Asia. They are so important in helping maintain healthy ecosystems for themselves and many other species where they live, so we need to do all we can to help ensure their future.”
Since 2013, Auckland Zoo has supported the Zimbabwe-based Lowveld Rhino Trust’s (LRT) conservation efforts for both black and white rhino species.
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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59.4% Yes, supporting people is important!
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26.3% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.3% ... It is complicated
Poll: Should complete designs be shared with the public, or should the community help shape the designs from the start?
The Post recently shared an opinion piece on the Harbour Crossing and why a more democratic approach might be needed 🚗🚲👟
While most decisions sit within the political arena, many organisations—like NZTA—manage long-term projects that go beyond party lines. Politics can sometimes disrupt progress, and the next Harbour Crossing is a big decision that will affect all Aucklanders.
We’d love your thoughts: Should near-complete, shovel-ready designs be shared with the public, or should the community have a hand in shaping the designs from the start?
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81.7% Community feedback and transparency is needed.
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18.3% No. This would be impossible in practice.
2 x Cooks (Indian Cuisine – Tandoor Cook & Curry Cook)
Location: Milford, Auckland, New Zealand
Employment Type: Permanent, full-time
Hours: Minimum 30 hours per week per position, rostered shifts including evenings, weekends and public holidays
Pay Rate: $25 per hour
We are seeking 2 experienced Cooks specialised in Indian cuisine to join our commercial kitchen. Each position is full-time and permanent.
Position 1: Tandoor Cook
Key Duties
• Operate and manage the tandoor oven during preparation and service
• Prepare naan, roti, paratha and other Indian breads
• Prepare and cook tandoori meats, seafood and vegetarian items
• Prepare marinades, spice blends and yoghurt-based mixtures
• Monitor cooking temperatures and timing to ensure quality and food safety compliance
• Maintain consistency in taste, texture and presentation
• Clean and maintain tandoor equipment and work area
• Assist with stock control and ordering of meat and dry goods
• Follow Food Control Plan and Health & Safety procedures (Refresher training will be provided)
Position 2: Curry Cook
Key Duties
• Prepare, season and cook a range of Indian curries, gravies and rice dishes
• Prepare sauces, spice pastes and base gravies from raw ingredients
• Portion and cook meat, poultry, seafood and vegetarian dishes
• Carry out daily mise en place and production for service
• Monitor portion control and maintain consistency of flavour and presentation
• Ensure proper storage, stock rotation (FIFO) and minimisation of waste
• Maintain cleanliness and food safety compliance in work area
• Support overall kitchen operations during service
General Requirements for Both Positions
• Minimum 4 years’ recent and relevant experience cooking Indian cuisine in a commercial kitchen (experience must align with the specific role applied for), OR
• NZQF Level 4 qualification (or equivalent) in Cookery or Commercial Cookery with substantial Indian cuisine experience
• Strong knowledge of traditional Indian spices and cooking techniques
• Ability to work independently and manage a section during busy service
• Good understanding of food safety and hygiene standards
• Reliable and able to work rostered shifts
How to Apply
Please send your CV and specify which position you are applying for to: anokha140@yahoo.com
Applications close: 6th March 2026
Applicants must be New Zealand citizens/residents or eligible to apply for a work visa.
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