Zoo Atlanta Launches 'Rhino Naming Madness' Bracket for Newborn Calf
Zoo Atlanta offers the chance to name a newborn rhino through a Sweet 16 bracket. The calf, born on Christmas Eve, is Kiazi's third child and Mumbles' first. Southern white rhinos are "near threatened," and can live up to 50 years, weighing up to 6,000 pounds.
Zoo Atlanta has announced an exciting opportunity for animal lovers to participate in naming the newest member of their family, a baby rhinoceros born on Christmas Eve. The newborn calf, a southern white rhino, will have her name chosen through a unique "Rhino Naming Madness" bracket, offering a chance for the public to be involved in this special occasion.
Meet the Parents
The calf's mother, Kiazi, and her father, Mumbles, are both part of the Zoo Atlanta family. This is Kiazi's third child, while it marks Mumbles' first experience as a father. The pregnancy was first detected in the spring, with white rhino pregnancies lasting an impressive 16 to 18 months. Although the calf's weight was not immediately recorded after birth, newborns typically weigh between 100 and 150 pounds.
Naming Madness
Zoo Atlanta's Rhino Care team will propose nine names for the "Rhino Naming Madness" bracket, and the public will have the opportunity to submit suggestions for the remaining seven names. This interactive naming process will unfold in four rounds of voting, with the brackets and first round set to commence on March 20. The final winning name will be unveiled on April 11, adding to the anticipation surrounding this delightful event.
Conservation and Future Plans
As part of an important conservation effort, it's worth noting that southern white rhinos are currently classified as "near threatened" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. This makes the birth of the calf particularly significant in the ongoing conservation of this species. The zoo also shared that the pair, Kiazi and her calf, will continue bonding in a private setting before joining the main rhino habitat, where Mumbles will have the chance to meet his offspring later in the summer.
About Southern White Rhinos
With a lifespan of 40 to 50 years, southern white rhinos can grow up to 6 feet tall at the shoulder and weigh up to 6,000 pounds. They are the only one of the five rhino species that are not currently considered endangered, as reported by the World Wildlife Foundation.
This special occasion marks a significant milestone for Zoo Atlanta and the ongoing efforts in rhinoceros conservation. Stay tuned for updates as the "Rhino Naming Madness" unfolds and the adorable calf gets her official name!
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