Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Offers Naming Opportunity for Rhino Calf

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo announced today a contest to name the week-old female Eastern black rhino, who was born to mom, Kibibbi, on February 7, 2018.

To participate, guests can cast their vote with an online donation to Cleveland Metroparks Zoo through the Future for Wildlife Fund at FutureForWildlife.org/RhinoNaming for one of the following names:

Each of the names are unique to the Eastern black rhino's native regions in Africa. The calf's name will be selected based on the name that receives the highest donation total. The public can cast their votes through March 1, 2018.
 
Eastern black rhinos are critically endangered and less than 750 eastern black rhinos remain in the wild due to poaching and habitat loss. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo's Future for Wildlife Fund helps protect Eastern black rhinos from illegal trade including rhino horns and human-wildlife conflict.
 
Both the calf and mom, Kibibbi, are doing well. The calf was observed successfully nursing from mom on the first day and has spent much of her time near mom, which is an indicator of a strong bond. While rhinos are known for their horns, they are born without one and the calf has a small black spot where it will grow in.
 
For all the behind-the-scenes updates on the calf and her family, stay tuned into Cleveland Metroparks Zoo's social media channels and FutureForWildlife.org/Rhino.
 
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo has been committed to wildlife conservation for more than 20 years and has contributed more than $7.5 million to wildlife conservation efforts around the world in partnership with Cleveland Zoological Society. In the past year since the pregnancy announcement, the Zoo has contributed more than $600,000 to global wildlife conservation efforts.

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Cleveland Metroparks Media Contacts: 
External Communications Coordinator, Jeffrey Tolman, 216-635-3274
Director of Communications, Jacqueline Gerling, 216-635-3338