English Zoo Celebrates Birth of Eastern Black Rhino, One of World's Rarest Mammals: 'The Most Incredible Privilege'

A zoo in England is celebrating the arrival of a very special new resident.

On Nov. 12, an eastern black rhinoceros calf was born at the Chester Zoo in Cheshire. The critically endangered species is one of the world's rarest mammals, making the female calf's birth a triumphant moment for global conservation efforts.

Following a 15-month pregnancy that was closely monitored by zoo staff, mom Zuri safely delivered the calf in a bed of soft sand in the afternoon at 2:45 p.m. — a rare event in itself, as the zoo said it’s “quite unusual” for baby rhinos to be born in daylight. Staff were able to capture video of the birth and the touching first moments of connection between Zuri and her newborn.

"We’d been eagerly awaiting this birth for 15 long months and, as it’s quite unusual for a rhino to give birth in daylight hours, we really didn’t expect it to happen right in front of us as we were going about our day," rhino team manager Emma Evison said in a release. "To be able to witness the calf safely entering the world, in front of our very own eyes, was just the most incredible privilege."

In the days since the birth, the rhino pair has been sticking close together, which Evison said is an important part of the bonding process. "What’s most important now during these first few days is that mum Zuri and her new baby spend some time bonding and getting to know one another," she explained.

"So far, the two have been inseparable and the little one is feeding regularly and already gaining in size and weight. She’s very inquisitive and full of energy, which is just brilliant to see," she added.

Evison noted that the calf's birth is "another positive step in safeguarding the species," which, according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, faces a high possibility of becoming extinct in the wild. Fewer than 600 rhinos remain across Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda.

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The zoo said poaching for the illegal wildlife trade is driving the species' disappearance. Rhino horn, a coveted commodity in the traditional Asian medicine market, has led to 95% of Africa's rhinoceros population being wiped out by poaching.

However, thanks to ongoing conservation efforts, there is a glimmer of hope. According to the Chester Zoo, new reports released this year show that rhino numbers in Africa have increased slightly for the first time in more than 10 years.

Still, the zoo said there is much more work to be done. “Our efforts to protect this magnificent species extend far beyond the zoo’s boundaries and, while it’s incredibly positive news that conservation efforts across Africa have led to a small recovery in rhino numbers, giving them some much needed breathing space, we know there’s still lots of work to be to done," said Mike Jordan, director of animals and plants.

Jordan explained that the facility is home to the U.K.'s only zoo-based animal endocrine lab, where researchers have developed the technology to analyze rhinoceros dung. This allows the zoo to improve the chances of successful mating and boost the numbers of the endangered species. The technology is being shared with a specialist lab that the zoo has established in Kenya to facilitate the work of rangers and vets in the wild.

“Zuri and her new arrival is testament to the unwavering dedication of conservationists here at Chester, and around the world, who are working to safeguard these incredible animals and ensure that they thrive long into the future," Jordan added.

In December 2022, the Kansas City Zoo celebrated the birth of its own eastern black rhino calf. "There are only about 740 of this type of rhino left in the wild, so this birth is also important for the subspecies as a whole," the zoo said at the time. "We are thrilled to introduce this new arrival to Kansas City!"