Rhino calf born at zoo in Iowa

DES MOINES, Iowa (KTVU) - A 6-year-old eastern black rhino named Ayana gave birth to an 80 pound female calf at Iowa's Blank Park Zoo.

Ayana gave birth Oct. 11 at 11:23 a.m. “This is an extremely significant event - not only in Blank Park Zoo’s 50 year history, but also for this critically endangered animal species,” said Mark Vukovich, Blank Park Zoo CEO.

According to the zoo, fewer than 1,000 eastern black rhinos remain when you combine wild and captive populations. There are only a total of seven in zoos worldwide with two in the United States. 

"The eastern black rhino is at a 'tipping point' in the wild - meaning that deaths, mostly due to poaching, will soon outnumber births," said Kevin Drees, director of animal care and conservation. “The captive zoo population plays a role in survival of the species, and Blank Park Zoo has partnered with the International Rhino Foundation to secure the species future. This celebrated birth should raise awareness and bring attention to this critical wildlife situation."

The calf has not yet been named. Both mother and calf are doing well.