Critically Endangered Black Rhino Calf Hits the Ground Running

A 6-day-old black rhino stayed close to his mother this morning at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park while running around and exploring the exhibit. The male calf, born on Saturday July 12, marks a significant birth, since black rhinos are a critically endangered species with approximately 5,000 left in the wild.
"Poaching is the main reason why the numbers of black rhinos are on the decline," said Julie Anderson, a keeper at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. "Any birth here at the Park is an important birth, and we have been very fortunate to have a newborn baby here at the Safari Park."
Mother Lembe is very protective of her young calf and runs around her exhibit with her tail pointed up, a cue that lets her calf know she is on alert and watching over him. The young calf trots closely behind, sometimes fumbling over his footing, as he is still getting comfortable keeping up with his mother.
This is the 15th black rhino born at the Safari Park and fifth calf to Lembe and father Jambia. Both mother and calf are visible to guests taking the Safari Park's Africa Tram tour.
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