English Zoo Celebrates Birth of Eastern Black Rhino, One of World’s Rarest Mammals: ‘The Most Incredible Privilege’

Zoo England is celebrating the arrival of a very special new resident.

On November 12, a baby eastern black rhino was born at Chester Zoo in Cheshire. This critically endangered species is one of the world’s rarest mammals, making the birth of a female cub a triumphant moment for global conservation efforts.

After a 15-month pregnancy closely monitored by zoo staff, mum Zuri safely gave birth to the calf in a bed of soft sand at 2.45pm this afternoon – a rare event in itself, as the zoo said it was “quite unusual” for baby rhinos are born in daylight. The staff managed to capture a video of the birth and the touching first moments of the bond between Zuri and her newborn.

“We’ve been eagerly anticipating this birth for 15 long months and, as it’s quite unusual for a rhino to give birth during the day, we didn’t expect it to happen right in front of us as we went about our day,” rhino team leader Emma Evison said in a statement. “Being able to witness the calf safely enter the world, right in front of our own eyes, was an incredible privilege.”

The baby rhinoceros has been close to its mother since her arrival.

Chester Zoo

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In the days after birth, the pair of rhinos held each other close, which Evison said is an important part of the bonding process. “What’s most important now during these first few days is for mum Zuri and her new baby to spend some time bonding and getting to know each other,” she explained.

“Until now, the two have been inseparable, and the little one is feeding regularly and is already gaining in size and weight. She is very curious and full of energy, which is simply great to see,” she added.

Evison noted that the birth of the calf is “another positive step in the conservation of the species,” which, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, faces a high possibility of extinction in the wild. There are less than 600 rhinos left in Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda.

The new calf explores its habitat.

Chester Zoo

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The zoo said poaching for the illegal wildlife trade is driving the species to extinction. Rhino horn, a coveted commodity in the traditional Asian medicine market, has led to the destruction of 95% of Africa’s rhino population due to poaching.

However, thanks to ongoing conservation efforts, there is a glimmer of hope. According to Chester Zoo, new reports published this year show that the number of rhinos in Africa has increased slightly for the first time in more than 10 years.

However, the zoo says there is still a lot of work to do. “Our efforts to protect this magnificent species extend far beyond the confines of the zoo and, while it is incredibly positive news that conservation efforts across Africa have led to a small recovery in rhino numbers, giving them much-needed breathing space, we know there is still much work to be done,” said Mike Jordan, director of the animal and plant department.

Zuri and her cub have been busy bonding since birth.

Chester Zoo

Jordan explained that the facility houses the UK’s only zoo animal endocrine laboratory, where researchers have developed technology to analyze rhinoceros faeces. This allows the zoo to improve the chances of successful mating and increase the number of endangered species. The technology is shared with a specialized laboratory the zoo has set up in Kenya to facilitate the work of keepers and veterinarians in the wild.

“Zuri and her new arrival are testament to the unwavering commitment of conservationists here in Chester and around the world, who are working to protect these amazing animals and ensure they thrive long into the future,” Jordan added.

Kansas City Zoo Welcomes Critically Endangered Eastern Black Rhino Cub: ‘We’re Thrilled’

In December 2022, the Kansas City Zoo celebrated the birth of its very own eastern black rhino cub. “There are only about 740 of this species of rhino left in the wild, so this birth is important for the subspecies as a whole,” the zoo said at the time. “We are thrilled to introduce this newcomer to Kansas City!”

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education