Description
White Rhinos arrive in San Diego in 1971
November 18, 1971, 20 white rhinos destined for the San Pasqual Wild Animal Park were unloaded this morning at 12th and Imperial. The huge beasts were captured in South Africa's Zululand and transported by ship to Houston, Texas, where they arrived last Monday. The rhinos--which include 14 females-- were then shipped here by train in six box cars. Mark Chacon talked to Ivan Steytler, Natal Parks Board Ranger. According to George Pournelle, curator of Mammals at the Zoo, the rhinos cost 5-thousand-dollars apiece. Fifteen years ago, the species was on the verge of extinction. But Ian Player, brother of South African golfer Gary Player, is credited with saving the White rhinos by protecting them and allowing them to breed unmolested. Player also arranged for the shipment to San Diego