ATLANTA — Zoo Atlanta is kicking off the holiday spirit with the gift of life. A special present on Christmas Eve -- the zoo's first ever southern white rhino baby entered into the world.
The newborn calf will spend time with it's 22-year-old mother, Kiazi, before entering into the zoo's rhino habitat.
“The Zoo Atlanta family is beyond excited about the birth of Kiazi’s calf. This birth has been long-awaited news for many months. We have had many exciting developments in our rhino population over the past year,” said Raymond B. King, President and CEO.
Officials said that white rhinos can have the longest pregnancies in the animal kingdom. They average between 16 months and 18 months. Their babies can also weigh anywhere from 100 to 150 pounds.
The zoo also added that the southern white rhinos are the largest of the species. Despite their name, they are not actually white, their name is believed to come from an Afrikaans word that means wide for their shape.
"If there is a special connection that our Members and guests can make with Kiazi and her calf, this is a connection that can translate to conservation action. All rhino species are currently in peril, and as stewards of this brand-new ambassador here in Atlanta, we also have a responsibility to do all we can to raise awareness of the status of wild rhinos," said King.
The recent birth comes after the zoo welcomed a 16-year-old rhino, Dakari, from the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in October.
Officials said that the newborn was the second rhino born in the zoo's 134-year history.
It's unclear when the newborn and its mother will be available to view at the rhino exhibit.
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