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Berlin's Bashful Black Rhino Stays Close by Mom

Zoo Berlin welcomed a baby Black Rhino Feb. 7. Black rhinos are actually not black at all. The species probably derives its name as a distinction from the white rhino (itself a misnomer) and/or from the dark-colored local soil that often covers its skin after wallowing in mud. The upper lip of the black rhino is adapted for feeding from trees and shrubs and is its best distinguishing characteristic.

Black rhinos have two horns. The front (anterior) horn is larger and measures 1 foot, 8 inches (0.5 - 1.3 m). The rear (posterior) horn is smaller and measures up to 22 inches (55 cm) long. 

Black rhinos can live to be 30-35 years in the wild and more than 45 years in captivity. 

Gestation lasts approximately 15-16 months, and mothers give birth to one calf every 2.5-3 years. Females reach sexual maturity between 4 and 7 years of age; males mature between 7 and 10 years of age.
Timur Emek / AFP/Getty Images

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