Critically endangered rhinoceros gives birth to calf at Kansas City Zoo on New Year’s Eve

The Kansas Metropolis Zoo bought a particular begin to the brand new yr: A critically endangered subspecies of rhinoceros gave delivery to a calf on Dec. 31, officers introduced. The calf is strolling, nursing and even taking part in with its mom, Zuri, animal specialists stated.

To let the calf and mom bond, the zoo is holding off on conducting an examination to find out its gender and well being. The general public will have the ability to assist the zoo identify the calf.

“Zuri is a affected person and attentive first-time mom,” the zoo stated in a Fb submit.

Save the Rhino, a rhinoceros conservation charity, stated {that a} feminine rhino will likely be pregnant for 15-17 months earlier than discovering a solitary place to provide delivery.

The rhinoceros calf will stick with its mom for 2 to 4 years. Black rhinos can dwell between 30 and 35 years within the wild and 35 to 45-plus years in captivity, the charity stated.

There are solely 740 jap black rhinoceroses left within the wild, the zoo stated, making the delivery of the calf much more important. Save the Rhino cites poaching and lack of a secure habitat because the worst threats towards the species.

The World Wildlife Basis stated that the rhino’s horn makes them targets for poaching, and that political instability in Africa, its habitat, is driving these efforts. The horns are utilized in Asia for natural treatments, the inspiration stated.