Miracle at Chester Zoo: Rare baby rhino birth sparks hope for endangered species (video)
In a heartwarming spectacle that promises to turn the tide for a critically endangered species, Chester Zoo, in the United Kingdom witnesses the extraordinary birth of a baby rhino.
Experts claim this event could be the lifeline needed to rescue the eastern black rhino from the brink of extinction.
Chester Zoo proudly announces the arrival of a female eastern black baby rhino, born in broad daylight on November 12. The zookeepers, armed with cameras, captured this rare occurrence, marking a significant moment in the battle to save these majestic creatures.
Emma Evison, the Rhino Team Manager, expresses the sheer joy of witnessing the birth.
“It was just the most incredible privilege.”
The eastern black rhino, classified as critically endangered, faces a perilous existence, with fewer than 600 remaining in the wild. The illegal trade in rhino horn has led to a devastating 95% decline in Africa’s rhino population due to poaching.
Despite the grim statistics, recent data reveals a slight increase in rhino numbers across Africa. Mike Jordan, the Zoo’s Director of Animals and Plants, attributes this positive trend to the unyielding dedication of conservationists worldwide. He sees the newborn rhino and its mother as a testament to the relentless efforts aimed at ensuring the survival of these magnificent creatures, reported BBC News.
Emma Evison emphasises the importance of the bond between Zuri and her calf. The pair, inseparable since birth, are spending crucial moments together, with the newborn feeding regularly and showing impressive gains in size and weight. Evison highlights the calf’s inquisitive and energetic nature, a promising sign of the species’ vitality.
Mike Jordan commends the unwavering commitment of conservationists at Chester Zoo and worldwide, ensuring the thriving future of these incredible animals. The birth of this eastern black rhino calf stands as a beacon of hope, symbolising the success of conservation efforts aimed at preventing the extinction of a species hunted for its precious horn for over a century.
