Endangered Indian Rhino Gives Birth to a Female Calf at Polish Zoo

After the discovery of a female member of Swinhoe’s softshell turtle, the most endangered turtle species, conservationists are now celebrating the birth of an Indian rhinoceros in Poland’s Wroclaw Zoo, a hopeful development in efforts to preserve the threatened species. Apparently, the Indian rhinoceros is listed as a vulnerable species under the IUCN Red List.

The endangered animal came quite close to extinction, but a protection program launched in the 1970s helped protect the species. Today there are around 3,600 Indian rhinoceros on the planet, including more than 170 living in 66 zoos across the world.

The world is celebrating the birth of an endangered Indian rhino at a Polish zoo | Image: Zoo Wroclaw/AP

Born last week, the female calf is the first Indian rhinoceros to be born in the zoo’s 155-year history. According to the zoo officials, its mother is the 7-year-old Maruska, and the father is the 11-year-old Manas.

Maruska, a first-time mom, behaves wonderfully. She looks after her daughter, allows her to nurse, and is very delicate, despite weighing more than 2 tons. When she lies down, she’s very careful not to crush the little one, and even gently moves her aside.

Zoo president Radoslaw Ratajszczak said in a statement on the zoo website.

The birth of endangered Indian rhino at Polish zoo brings hope for the survival of the species | Image: Zoo Wroclaw/AP

Births in captivity are quite infrequent for the endangered species. However, the Wroclaw Zoo expressed confidence that more such celebrations can occur in the future. As per the zoo’s announcement, the rhino couple is young and there are still many years of life ahead of them, and therefore, they could give birth to more calves. In the last year, only 7 calves were born, so a new-born female in the zoo is a very important event for all the zoos, which are thriving to conserve this species.

The huge rhinos, along with other big animals such as elephants, often become victims of poaching. In South Africa, however, Namibia saw a continued downward trend in rhino and elephant poaching last year after the strict implementation of patrols and sharply increasing fines. The inspiring feat of the country shall encourage other countries to protect their wildlife with much resolve.