![]() ![]() The group of rhinoceroses can contain about 20 individual animals. This kind of group is often formed by the female and baby rhinoceroses. However, there are some instances where you can see a group of rhinoceroses living together. Sometimes Rhinos Live In GroupsĮveryone knows that the rhinoceros is a solitary animal that loves to live alone in the wild. Even though this classification is not considered beneficial these days, the name is still in use. All these animals were called pachyderms. The rhinoceros belong to this group along with horses, hippos, elephants, pigs, and hyraxes. Many decades ago, zoologists across the world created a special group of animals with thick skin. The word ”pachy” means thick, while ”derma” means skin. The term pachyderm comes from two separate Greek words pachy and derma. Rhinos Are Also Known as PachydermsĮven though most people do not know this fact, the rhinoceros is also known as the pachyderm. The longest rhinoceros horn that has been measured to date was just under 60 inches. That is why even if the horn gets broken during a fight, it can grow back. Just like the hoofs of a horse, rhinoceros horns continue to grow throughout their lives. Contrary to popular belief, the horn of a rhino is not an extension of its skull. The rhinoceros horn is made of Keratin, the same protein that you can find in your nails and hair. Rhinos And Oxpeckers Share A Great Relationship ![]() Different Shape Lips To Suit Their Environment (Black & White Rhinos) The baby rhino can also be “Zoodopted”! Proceeds from the auction and Zoodoptions will be donated to the Zoo’s conservation partner, the International Rhino Foundation, which provides support for land protection, the translocation of rhinos to more suitable habitats in Africa, and work being done to end the trade in rhino horns. The public can place bids on the calf’s name through July 30. The Zoo will be auctioning off the naming rights for the baby rhino to raise funds for rhino conservation. Zina was paired with Sibindi through the Species Survival Plan (SSP) through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) to ensure the survival of these protected species. This species remains classified as near threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature IUCN) due to threats in the wild due to habitat loss and illegal poaching of their horns. Sibindi and Bora will have access to both the barn and their outdoor habitat. Mom and baby will stay indoors for Keepers to monitor the two and their bond over the next several weeks. Zina and her calf can be seen in the rhino’s night barn. Sibindi, 18, Zina, 8, Bora, 7, and now the new male calf. This brings the rhino count to four at the Zoo. A baby animal’s cuteness piques the interest of everyone, but then we are able to share their conservation story and the ways we can protect their species,” Bockheim added. ![]() ![]() “Because of the demand for their horns, rhinos are often killed daily. “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome this baby, who will serve as an ambassador to its species in the wild,” said Greg Bockheim, Executive Director of the Virginia Zoo. The Animal Care Team collaborated to create a birth plan for Zina, which included routine checkups, diet changes, training Zina for voluntary weekly blood draws, voluntary milk collection, installing a baby monitor (camera to keep an eye on Zina during around-the-clock-watches) and even baby proofing the rhino exhibit. “We were able to give some general time frames, but this last month became very apparent we were in the birth window,” Dr. “The pregnancy was confirmed via ultrasound in February,” said Dr. The gestation period for a rhino is 16-18 months, so Zina’s Zoo Keepers and the entire Animal Care Team have been anticipating this birth for several months. This is a historic event for the Zoo as this calf is the first of its species to be born at the Virginia Zoo, but also for first-time mom, Zina, zoo officials said.įrom the moment she gave birth, Zine has shown signs of good mothering instincts and has been very attentive to her calf. The baby weighs approximately 125 pounds and stands 22 inches tall and 36 inches long. Animal care staff said the calf is strong, nursing well and is bonding with mom. The zoo said male rhino was born to mom, Zina, and dad, Sibindi, on July 11. – The Virginia Zoo has announced the historic birth of its first-ever Southern white rhinoceros! ![]()
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