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Endangered black rhino born at Des Moines zoo

Posted at 3:44 PM, Oct 17, 2016
and last updated 2016-10-17 17:56:22-04

DES MOINES, Iowa — Zoo keepers are excited at the birth of an endangered black rhino born in Des Moines last week.

The healthy, 80-pound female was born at the Blank Park Zoo on Oct. 11, according to a report from the Des Moines Register. Lou Keeley, large animal supervisor at the zoo, said mom and calf are doing well.

Keeley said the zoo has housed two black rhinos since 2012. This baby is the first to be born in Des Moines.

Kevin Drees, director of animal care and conservation at the zoo, said they’re excited to be contributing to the survival of this endangered species.

“On all the births that we’ve had at the zoo, probably none are more significant from a public standpoint, from an endangered wildlife standpoint,” Drees said.

The calf is not on display at this time as the staff are allowing the baby and mother some bonding time.

The baby has not yet been named.

Newborn black baby rhino with mother at Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines. Courtesy of Blank Park Zoo Facebook page

Newborn black baby rhino with mother at Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines. Courtesy of Blank Park Zoo Facebook page