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CLEVELAND (WJW) – The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s newest baby is also a landmark birth for a critically endangered species.
An Eastern black rhino calf was born on Saturday, Sept. 13, the zoo announced Monday.
The calf was born to 22-year-old mother Kibibbi and 25-year-old father Forrest.
Eastern black rhino calf (Photo courtesy: Cleveland Metroparks Zoo) Eastern black rhino calf (Photo courtesy: Cleveland Metroparks Zoo) Eastern black rhino calf (Photo courtesy: Cleveland Metroparks Zoo)
Zoo staff said the calf is behind the scenes right now, bonding with mom.
The new baby is not yet on display.
According to the Cleveland zoo, fewer than 583 Eastern black rhino adults remain in the wild.
“Every birth is significant and is an opportunity to bring awareness to the conservation issues faced by this species,” said Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Executive Director Dr. Chris Kuhar said in a press release.
The zoo made the announcement on Monday, Sept. 22, for World Rhino Day.
The zoo said the calf’s birth is “a symbol of hope for the future.”
