Cleveland Metroparks Zoo welcomed a its second Eastern Black Rhino calf of the year on Ausut 20. The calf joins 25-year-old mom Inge, dad Forrest, aunt Kibibbi and 7-month-old calf Lulu.


Photo Credit: Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

Both Inge and her calf are doing well and have been under constant watch by the Zoo's animal care team. In order to stimulate the mother-calf bond, Inge and the calf will not be visible to the public for a period of time. This is the fifth calf for Inge, who is also the mother to Kibibbi and the grandmother to Lulu.
 
“We’re very excited to welcome our second Eastern Black Rhino calf born here at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo this year,” said Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Executive Director Christopher Kuhar, PhD. “We hope these significant births inspire guests to learn more about this critically endangered species and how they can help protect Eastern Black Rhinos in the wild.”
 
Alongside the birth, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo will soon debut a new Rhino Cam, allowing viewers to peek into the Rhino yard 24/7. Inge and her calf are not yet in the Rhino yard, but should move into the habitat in a few weeks when the calf is strong enough.

This calf is the seventh Eastern Black Rhino born at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and is an important one for the species. Less than 750 Eastern Black Rhinos remain in the wild due to poaching and habitat loss. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo has contributed more than $7.5 million to wildlife conservation efforts around the world.