Tiny Baby Rhino Romps And Plays With Mom
Hello baby!
Eastern black rhinos Jozi and her calf are currently off-view in a cozy maternity den to allow the new family a comfortable place to continue to bond. When the baby’s a little bigger — and the weather’s warmer — they'll begin exploring the outdoor habitats at Rhino Ridge.
Jozi’s baby holds much significance for the species, according to Kelly Gomez, who oversees the zoo’s Africa area. Jozi and her companion, King, belong to the eastern subspecies of black rhinoceros, which is considered critically endangered. In 2011, the western subspecies of black rhino was declared extinct.
“These rhinos represent a species that’s among the most endangered on the planet,” Gomez said. “Poaching and the illegal wildlife trade have wiped out 96% of the world’s black rhino population. In South Africa alone, we’re losing almost a rhino a day. Hopefully, their story can help inspire a new chapter in the conservation of this incredible species.”