Cleveland Metroparks Zoo today is launching a new naming opportunity for the rhino calf who was born on August 20th to mom, Igne (pronounced Ing-A), and dad, Forrest. The opportunity was announced alongside the calf's public debut following several weeks of bonding with Igne.
To participate in the naming opportunity, guests can cast their vote at the rhino habitat at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo or online with a donation to Cleveland Metroparks Zoo through the Future for Wildlife Fund at
FutureForWildlife.org/RhinoNaming for one of the following names:
- Nia – meaning purpose
- Dalia – meaning flower
- Zina - meaning free spirit
Each of the names are unique to the Eastern black rhino's native regions in Africa. The calf's name will be selected based on the name that receives the highest donation total. The public can cast their votes through midnight on September 30th.
Tens of thousands of black rhinos once traversed much of Africa. Today, fewer than 5,000 remain. Rhinos are one of several species threatened by the illegal wildlife trade. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is helping to secure a future for rhinos in Africa by addressing the greatest threat to their survival and combating illegal rhino horn trade.
Both Inge and her calf are doing well and have been under constant watch by the Zoo's animal care team. The new calf was Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s second Eastern black rhino birth in 2018, following Lulu who was born in February.
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo recently debuted a new rhino video camera allowing viewers to check-in on the rhino yard at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo 24/7. Guests can tune in to the rhino camera at
FutureForWildlife.org/Rhino.
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