World Rhino Day Brings New Arrival at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is excited to announce the birth of a critically endangered Eastern black rhino calf, a milestone that comes just in time for World Rhino Day, an international day of awareness celebrated every September 22 for this iconic species. 

Born on Saturday, September 13, to 22-year-old mother Kibibbi and 25-year-old father Forrest, the male calf is bonding behind the scenes with mom and is not yet on public view. Guests are encouraged to follow Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s social media channels for an opportunity to help name the calf in support of rhino conservation and for when the calf will make its public debut at the Zoo’s Daniel Maltz Rhino Reserve.

Eastern black rhinos are critically endangered, with fewer than 583 adults remaining in the wild. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo has a long history of caring for this species, working alongside global conservation partners to secure a future for rhinos in the wild.

“Every birth is significant and is an opportunity to bring awareness to the conservation issues faced by this species,” said Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Executive Director Dr. Chris Kuhar. “It’s especially meaningful to share this calf’s arrival on World Rhino Day, a time when we celebrate rhinos worldwide and highlight the urgent need to protect them. We are excited to share this milestone with our community, whose support makes global conservation possible.”

World Rhino Day is celebrated annually on September 22 to raise awareness and support for the five remaining rhino species around the globe. This year, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is proud to mark the day with the arrival of its newest Eastern black rhino calf, a symbol of hope for the future of this critically endangered species.

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