The female calf was born on Jan. An endangered Indian rhinoceros was born earlier this month at Poland's Wroclaw Zoo. For now, the calf is being kept away from the public, but visitors will have plenty of chances to see her in the future.
The birth of the baby Indian rhinoceros is the first in the zoo's year history, and is also important for the preservation of the species. Indian rhinoceros are only kept in 66 zoos around the world, with the entire population consisting of less than , according to the zoo. Last year, only 7 babies were born.
As for why there are so few Indian rhinoceros being born in captivity, the zoo explained that there are several factors at play. Females don't reach sexual maturity until they're between the ages of and their gestation period can last up to 16 months.
Usually only one baby rhinoceros is born at a time, and they remain under their mother's care for up to 3 years. Meanwhile, while females live in herds with their offspring, male rhinoceros live alone — and can only mate when it is warm outside. After building a special facility in , the zoo initially had two male rhinoceros living there.
In , one male left, with a female taking his place. Although once close to extinction due to poaching, since the 's the Indian rhinoceros population has been increasing, and its current population is estimated at around 3, Human Interest Animals Zoos. By Maria Pasquini Maria Pasquini. People Editorial Guidelines. New year, new arrival!
