Are there black rhinos in the Chester Zoo?
(Malindi and Dakima) (Zuri) Not only does Chester Zoo have black rhinos but it also have what we hope to become a breeding pair of Greater one-horned rhinos. The numbers were less than 200 but again conservation has played a key part in helping save and protect them.
Who is the director of the Chester Zoo?
Chester Zoo has been successful in breeding a number of critically endangered black rhinos and plays a vital part in the international breeding programme. Our director general, Dr Mark Pilgrim, is responsible for managing the European breeding programme for this species.
Are there any black rhinos left in the wild?
Chester Zoo is now home to ten Eastern black rhinos following the birth of male calf Gabe earlier this month. With less than 650 now believed to be left in the wild, the new arrival was a welcome addition.
Why are rhinos being released into the wild?
“The animals being released are the descendants of rhinos that – more than 40 years ago – were taken from East Africa and transported to Europe’s zoos for display,” explains Jan Stejskal, head of international programmes at Dvur Kralove. “This is the perfect opportunity to take them back to their homeland.”
Chester Zoo supports several field programmes, one of which is the Chester Zoo Black Rhino Conservation Project which focuses on the eastern black rhinoceros. This sub species of rhino has been badly affected by the rise in poaching and only around 500 are left in the wild.
When did Malindi come to the Chester Zoo?
Malindi (top), seven, was born at Magdeburg and arrived in the zoo in 2008. She recently gave birth to her first calf Dakima on March 7. Zuri (bottom), six, was born at Paignton Zoo and arrived in 2011, she is due to give birth to her first calf in May.
How are the horns of a rhinoceros made?
Their horns are made from keratin (the same protein that makes our fingernails and hair), and can be regrow if broken off. These rhinos are born without horns, and only develop them once they are about 6 years old. They use their horns to forage for roots and find food! They skin appears to look like plates of amour, due to it’s thickness.