Black Rhino Born at BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo
BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo is pleased to announce the first rhino birth at the Zoo. Gemstone, a 21-year-old black rhino, gave birth to a calf on Sept. 27. This important birth is the only black rhino born in North America and one of only three black rhino births in the past 12 months, worldwide.
According to Sam Winslow, assistant director and general curator, "Mother and calf are doing well and will remain off exhibit while they bond."
Gemstone is from the San Francisco Zoo and came to Baton Rouge in 2006. Her gestation period was 16 months. The Zoo's male rhino, Tatu, came to Baton Rouge in 2003 from Texas. The Zoo has not named the baby rhino, but has determined that it is female.
For the safety and comfort of the mother and baby, there are no photo or media opportunities at this time.
The black rhino is part of a Species Survival Plan (SSP). The SSP began in 1981 as a cooperative population management and conservation program for selected species in zoos and aquariums in North America. Organized by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), each plan manages the breeding of a species in order to maintain a healthy and self-sustaining population that is both genetically diverse and demographically stable.
As an accredited member of AZA, the Baton Rouge Zoo participates in the rhino and golden lion tamarin SSPs as well as many others.
With less than 4,000 black rhinos left in Africa, a viable captive could be a hedge against extinction.
Discover the animal kingdom at BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo, including elephants, giraffes, rhinos and alligators. Visitors can enjoy the new Flamingo Cove and Giants of the Islands, featuring the Zoo's Chilean flamingos and Galapagos and Aldabra tortoises, as well as the Safari Playground, the Otter Pond, our exhibit featuring a replicated fishing cabin with underwater viewing of the otters, L'aquarium de Louisiane, Parrot Paradise and KidsZoo. Adults and children can ride the Cypress Bayou Railroad on a scenic ride through the unique Louisiana habitat that surrounds the core Zoo.
The Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you and a better future for all living things.
For more information contact either Mary Woods or Phil Frost at 225-775-3877
Visit us at www.brzoo.org
Admission:
Adults and Teens: $6
Seniors: $5
Children 2-12: $3
1 & under: Free
Hours:
9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Daily
It is the BREC mission to provide parks and recreational opportunities for all citizens of East Baton Rouge Parish.
