Rumble of Little Rhino Feet at Zoo Berlin
October 15, 2014
On October 2nd, Zoo Berlin’s Black Rhino, ‘Maburi’, gave birth to a healthy baby boy!
Photo Credits: Zoo Berlin (1,2,3); Peter Griesbach (4,5)
The yet-to-be named bull calf is, according to keepers, doing exceedingly well. Even without a horn, he can confidently stand on his short, sturdy legs and survey his surroundings. Soon after birth, the calf nursed for a short while and was soon standing on all fours. Protective mother, Maburi, is keeping watch over him in the safe confines of the rhino barn, at the zoo.
Zoo Berlin Director, Dr. Andreas Knieriem, said, “The Zoo Berlin is world famous for its successful Black Rhino breeding. The small bull is already the 18th born in Berlin. We are very excited about the new breeding success of the highly endangered species.”
The Black Rhinoceros is native to eastern and central Africa. Although it is referred to as ‘black’, its colors vary from brown to grey. Overall, the species is classified as “Critically Endangered” on the IUCN Red List.
Zoo Berlin participates in the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP). The International Stud Book (IZB) is performed in the Tierpark Berlin. Endangered species are bred at the zoo to secure their long-term survival and later, to settle the animals whenever possible in appropriate habitats. There is an active conservation breeding program for the Black Rhino. According to the IUCN, only about 5,000 of these rhinos live in the wilds of Africa. In the captivity of zoos throughout Europe, there are about 80 Black Rhinos. Zoo Berlin keepers are currently anticipating the arrival of another Black Rhino. Expectant mother, ‘Kumi’ will soon deliver rhino number 19.