🎉 Welcome a new member to the animal kingdom at Folly Farm—a critically-endangered eastern black rhino calf! 🦏 Born after a whopping 15-month pregnancy, this cutie arrived bright and early on November 27th. His mum, Dakima, and dad, Nkosi, have done a brilliant job. This little one is only the second baby rhino to join the Folly Farm family, marking a huge win for conservation efforts. 🌿
Despite their majestic presence, eastern black rhinos are critically endangered, with only around 1,471 left in the wild. So, every birth is a vital step towards preserving these magnificent creatures. The newborn was up and exploring within hours, sticking by Dakima’s side and kicking off his new life with plenty of milk and love.
Dakima, who’s been at Folly Farm since 2017, shares her paddock with Nkosi for specially planned “date nights”, leading to this successful pregnancy. Dad won’t be around much—it’s normal for rhino dads to stay absent after birth—but we’re sure his little one is in safe hands with mum. 🐾
Although visitors may have to wait a bit to catch a glimpse of this adorable addition, Folly Farm promises to keep everyone updated via social media. Once the little one is ready, he’ll be out and about, charming everyone with his presence. There’s even a chance that he might contribute further to his species’ survival, either in the wild or through the European breeding programme.
Stay tuned to Folly Farm’s updates as they care for this young rhino, playing a significant role in the conservation of these incredible animals. 🦏✨