Meet The New Baby Rhino At Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

CLEVELAND — For the second time this year, there is a newborn Eastern black rhino calf at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. The as-yet-unnamed baby rhino was born to mother Inge, dad Forrest, and will join its cousin, 7-month-old Lulu.

“We’re very excited to welcome our second Eastern black rhino calf born here at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo this year,” said Cleveland Metroparks Zoo executive director Christopher Kuhar. “We hope these significant births inspire guests to learn more about this critically endangered species and how they can help protect Eastern black rhinos in the wild.”

Both Inge and her new calf are doing well, the Zoo said. They are currently under constant supervision by the Zoo's animal care team. Neither animal will be on display while a bond is built between mother and calf.

However, fans of the Zoo will soon be able see the calf via the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo new video camera system, which monitors the rhino yard 24/7. Guests can watch the animals at clevelandmetroparks.com/rhino, though the new calf and mom will not be in the yard for a few weeks until the calf is strong enough.

This is Inge's fifth calf in her lifetime. She also gave birth to Kibbibi, making her the grandmother to Lulu. The Zoo has see seven Eastern black rhino calves born during its existence. That's a major boon to a waning population. The Zoo said that less than 750 Eastern black rhinos remain in the wild, largely due to poaching and habitat loss.

The Zoo will be announcing how guests and fans can partake in a naming contest for the baby rhino soon.

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Photos from Cleveland Metroparks Zoo