The Lincoln Park Zoo (LP Zoo) just celebrated a major milestone—the birth of a rare Eastern Black Rhino Calf.
Here’s everything to know about the adorable new resident and when you can visit it!
Say hello to Kapuki, Utenzi, and their new baby
The LP Zoo’s resident female Eastern Black Rhino Kapuki gave birth to a calf at 4:52 a.m. Thursday morning, according to a release.
The calf weighed a healthy 60 pounds at birth. Zoo staff members are already monitoring the Mother and calf pair to ensure proper milestones are met.
Kapuki and her calf will reportedly remain in closed quarters for the next several weeks, allowing time for bonding and growth.
The birth of the calf is the product of a breeding recommendation between 20-year-old rhino Kapuki and 21-year-old rhino Utenzi.
The calf’s arrival marks a huge conservation win for the LP Zoo and the greater Eastern Black Rhino species, which is critically endangered in the wild.
The wild Eastern Black Rhino population currently sits at just 1,000 individuals in their native African range between Tanzania, Rwanda, and Kenya.
Chicagoans can expect to say hello to the adorable critter soon.
For now, click here to view a video of the calf and Kapuki bonding.
Additionally, be sure to follow the LP Zoo on social media to stay up to date on the baby rhino’s progress.