Zoo Atlanta Welcomes Adorable Baby Rhino, the First of its Kind!

Exciting News from Zoo Atlanta!

Zoo Atlanta recently celebrated the arrival of a new addition to their animal family. On Christmas Eve, the zoo welcomed an adorable baby rhino! This southern white rhinoceros is especially significant because it is the first of its kind to be born at the zoo.

The calf's mother, Kiazi, is 12 years old and has previously given birth at another organization before coming to Zoo Atlanta. This is her third child. The father, Mumbles, met Kiazi early last year and this is their first offspring together.

Kiazi's pregnancy was detected in the spring, and the zoo has been closely monitoring her with voluntary ultrasounds. Southern white rhino pregnancies last between 16 and 18 months, so there was plenty of anticipation leading up to the birth. The newborn calf appears healthy and strong.

At this time, the zoo is not certain of the baby's weight because Kiazi has been very protective. They have given the pair as much privacy as possible, allowing them to bond behind the scenes. Eventually, they will join the main rhino habitat where visitors can admire them.

The birth of Kiazi's calf is a momentous occasion for Zoo Atlanta and has been eagerly awaited for many months. The zoo's president and CEO, Raymond B. King, expressed his excitement and emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the conservation of wild rhinos.

Southern white rhinos are classified as "near threatened" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. This species is the only one among the five rhino species that is not considered endangered, according to the World Wildlife Foundation.

White rhinos can live for 40 to 50 years and can weigh up to 6,000 pounds. They are impressive creatures, standing up to 6 feet tall at the shoulder.

In addition to the new baby rhino, Zoo Atlanta also welcomed another female southern white rhinoceros named Dakari in October. The expansion of the rhino population at the zoo is an exciting development for conservation efforts.

This news serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting and preserving these magnificent creatures. As stewards of the brand-new ambassador rhino in Atlanta, Zoo Atlanta has a responsibility to raise awareness about the status of wild rhinos and take action to ensure their survival.

Stay tuned for more updates from the world of wildlife!