It’s double baby rhino joy at zoo
TWO incredibly rare Eastern black rhinos have been born at Chester Zoo.
They were born within a week – boosting global numbers of the critically endangered species.
Film footage showed mum Kitani spinning around in her enclosure, before the youngster was delivered safely on soft sand.
Kitani gave birth on June 19 – followed a week later, on June 26, by 10-year-old Zuri after a 15-month pregnancy.
The new arrivals take the number of Eastern black rhinos at the zoo to 10.
The births are another success story for the acclaimed breeding programme for the threatened species. It is believed that fewer than 650 now remain in Africa and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists the animals as critically endangered in the wild.
Tim Rowlands, curator of mammals at the zoo, said: “These two births are a magnificent boost to the endangered species breeding programme and offer new hope for these wonderful animals.
“Eastern black rhinos are one of the world’s most high-profile species, teetering on the brink of extinction in the wild. We cannot underestimate how important these animals are to the future of their species.
“Kitani has bonded well with her calf during these important early days and is doing a very good job so far, as is Zuri, who is also an experienced mum.”
A huge surge in illegal poaching, driven by a global increase in demand for rhino horn to supply the traditional Asian medicine market, has resulted in around 95 per cent of rhinos being wiped out.
The issue is being driven by the street value of rhino horn, which is currently changing hands for more per gram than both gold and cocaine.
Mike Jordan, Chester Zoo collections director, said: “It’s superb to see the new calves taking their first steps. We consider that each and every rhino calf is so important to the future of the species.
“We are one of a number of conservation organisations working in Africa – including Save the Rhino International and the International Rhino Foundation – to ensure their long-term survival.”