Rhino In San Diego Pregnant, Could Help Save Subspecies

SAN DIEGO — A southern white rhino has become pregnant through artificial insemination at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park — giving hope for efforts to save a subspecies of one of the world’s most recognizable animals, researchers announced Thursday. Scientists will be watching closely to see if the rhino named Victoria can carry her calf to term over 16 to 18 months of gestation. If she does, researchers hope someday she could serve as a surrogate mother and could give birth to the related northern white rhino, whose population is down to two females after decades of decimation by poachers.