Located on Florida’s panhandle, the Gulf Breeze Zoo recently welcomed a new member to the family, a baby rhino named Kipenzi. The 5-month-old calf is just as rambunctious as a toddler, and loves running around and playing with her mom, and it’s the cutest thing you’ll see this week!
In this clip, Kipenzi is following her mom as she runs around their enclosure. It looks like they’re playing a game of chase, and it’s full speed ahead for the little one. Kipenzi’s adorable zoomies are enough to make anybody smile!
In the video’s caption, the Zoo says, “Baby Kipenzi is learning the ropes!” and we love that the Zoo shared the cute scene with all of us!
Commenters were also smitten with all the cuteness. @Bunni girl swooned, “Those little ears!!!” @jack53 cracked us up when they said, “Mom’s trying to tire him out so he’ll take a nap.” @007 had a different thought, “Mama is trying to run away to get some peace and quiet!” Another commenter added what Kipenzi was thinking, “Wait for me…I’ve got little legs!”
@Leasa had our favorite comment, “Baby EVERYTHINGS ARE SO CUTE!!!!!!”
Related: Baby Rhino’s Adorable ‘Squeak’ Is Making Everybody Smile
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More About Gulf Breeze Zoo’s Baby Rhino, Kipenzi
ZooAssociation.org shared more about Kipenzi’s recent birth and why it was so special in a press release dated September 19th. “Zoofari Parks, LLC is thrilled to announce the birth of Kipenzi, the first second-generation southern white rhinoceros calf born within Zoofari Parks’ breeding program and the third calf to be born at the Gulf Breeze Zoo. Her mother, Khaleesi—born at the Virginia Safari Park in 2015—is the daughter of a female directly imported from South Africa.
With Kipenzi’s July 24 arrival, Zoofari Parks celebrates not only a new life but also the next chapter in its long-term rhino conservation work. Rhino gestation is 16 months, which slows population recovery and makes every birth a reason to celebrate.”
Adrianne Leopard, Gulf Breeze Zoo’s general curator, shared more about the little one. “Kipenzi is sassy, spunky, and very curious. She loves her mud wallows, morning zoomies, and running with her mom. Rhino calves typically weigh between 80 and 140 pounds at birth, and Kipenzi already weighs more than 200 pounds. Khaleesi is a phenomenal first-time mom, and it’s truly an honor to be part of this journey.”
Southern white rhinos were once on the brink of extinction, with fewer than 100 individuals remaining in the wild at the beginning of the 20th century. Thanks to decades of dedicated global conservation efforts, their population has made an incredible recovery, and there are an estimated 16,800 now across 11 African countries. Sadly, poaching for their horns remains the greatest threat to their future.
This story was originally reported by PetHelpful on Nov 14, 2025, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add PetHelpful as a Preferred Source by clicking here.