CUMBERLAND, Ohio — A greater one-horned rhinoceros calf was born at The Wilds on Saturday, the eight to be born at the conservation center.
The calf and mom, Sanya, are doing well and have been bonding in pasture on The Wilds property, officials said in a release Tuesday. The calf appears to be strong and healthy.
The Animal Management team has been monitoring the pair closely and has not needed to provide any immediate assistance. The conservation center says Sanya is an experienced mother, having given birth to five calves at The Wilds since arriving in 2004.
“We are thrilled to welcome this little rhinoceros into our Wilds family! Every rhinoceros is important to the survival of their species. While there has been some success in rhinoceros conservation recently, unfortunately, there are still threats to all rhino species. They are being poached for their horn, even though it is made only of keratin— the equivalent of fingernails—and they are facing habitat destruction in their native ranges. We are proud to be able to contribute to rhino conservation by welcoming this incredible new arrival, as the calf represents hope for future generations of greater one-horned rhinos,” said Dr. Jan Ramer, vice president of The Wilds.
The new calf may be visible to guests during either an Open-Air Safari or Wildside Tour. The Wilds is currently open daily through September and then weekends only in October.
For more information about The Wilds, visit TheWilds.org.
