It is with great joy that we report the birth of the very first Eastern Black Rhino calf for mom Doppsee, 12 years old, and dad Phineus, 12 years old as well. The calf, a male, it is also the very first in the 100 years of history of Potter Park Zoo (Michigan, USA).

His birth was very much anticipated from the zoo which instituted a baby rhino watch marathon on the official Facebook page. Finally, on 24 December, they published the video about the rhino calf birth. Mom Doppsee entered in labour during the early hours of the morning and at around 5:40 AM the baby was safely delivered on the ground. After glancing at that bundle with baffled eyes, mom Doppsee took thing in her stride: the baby was up on his feet 1 hour and an half later and at around 8 o’clock he was seen nursing properly.

Mom and calf will be bonding out of the scene and will probably viewable from the public in Spring next year.

This calf is only the third Eastern Black Rhino born in USA in 2019, but considering that metapopulation of Eastern Black Rhino in USA is composed of around 60 animals it could be considered a great success for this species.