The horns are made of keratin-the same substance that makes up fingernails and hair. All five remaining rhino species in Africa and Asia (white rhinoceros, black rhinoceros, greater one-horned rhinoceros, Javan rhinoceros and Sumatran rhinoceros) are killed by poachers who sell rhino horn for ornamental or traditional medicinal purposes even though there are no scientifically proven health benefits for its use. Even with the increase in numbers, the species remains classified as near threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, through conservation efforts, the population of white rhinos in their native range in Africa has rebounded to about 20,400 animals. In addition, The Wilds is home to five greater one-horned rhinos and is one of only 19 AZA-accredited facilities in North America to care for this species.Īt the beginning of the 20 th century, the white rhino population had dwindled to an estimated 50 to 200 individuals. The Wilds has also welcomed the births of nine Asian one-horned rhinos since 2005. The number of southern white rhinos at The Wilds now totals 17 rhinos (five males and 12 females) in the herd or “crash”-another name for a group of rhinos. It is the only facility outside of Africa with rhinos born four and five generations removed from their wild-born ancestors. This most recent calf is the 27 th white rhino born at The Wilds throughout its history and marks the eighth fifth-generation calf born at the facility. The conservation center is well-known for its successful rhino breeding program. Agnes and her calf will gradually be introduced back to the rest of the southern white rhino herd, which will likely result in a flurry of activity among the rhino calves due to their occasional playful rhino “zoomies.” Agnes still tends to spend some time apart from the rest of the herd, so when Agnes and her calf are inside, they stay in the maternity stalls. The Animal Management team takes their cues from the animals, who determine when they are ready for next steps. The southern white rhinos are more social, and these two calves have already met in the pasture. The greater one-horned rhinos are still spending their time in the pastures and will eventually move into their barn within the coming weeks. At The Wilds, they are housed separately from the southern white rhinos. Greater one-horned rhinos are more solitary by nature (except for mothers and their calves like Sanya and her baby). The calves and their mothers continue to bond and are doing well. A female greater one-horned rhino calf was also born at The Wilds on August 16 to mother, Sanya, and father, Jahi. In addition to the arrival of this recent calf, there was cause for celebration earlier this season when The Wilds welcomed the birth of a female southern white rhino calf on October 5 to mother, Anan, and father, Kengele. The SSP program is designed to maintain a sustainable population and genetic diversity of threatened and endangered species in human care. The pairings of Agnes and Kengele was recommended through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan® (SSP). Kengele was born at the San Diego Safari Park in 1998 and has been living at The Wilds since 2012. This calf is her second and the fourth calf that father, Kengele, has sired. His care team notes that he is a big boy and growing rapidly-already, he is even a bit taller than a female rhino calf, who was born three weeks earlier!Īgnes, who was born at The Wilds in 2014, is an experienced mom. The calf, who is currently unnamed, continues to nurse alongside his mother. Along with the rest of the southern white rhino herd, Agnes and her calf have started spending some time inside the large rhino barn due to the recent falling temperatures but may still be out in the pastures on warmer days. The Animal Management team notes that Agnes and her bundle of joy are both doing well. The male calf was born overnight in The Wilds’ pasture on October 25, 2021, to mother, Agnes. Cumberland, OH – The Wilds is celebrating a significant conservation achievement with the birth of a third rhinoceros calf this season.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |