Watch Newly Named Lincoln Park Zoo Rhino Calf Make Public Debut

See rhino run!

Lincoln Park Zoo’s newborn Eastern black rhinoceros calf thrilled zoo guests as he took his first steps outside at the Harris Family Foundation Black Rhinoceros Exhibit.

A little timid at first, the calf quickly followed his mom’s lead and trotted around the yard, occasionally stopping to explore the new sights and scents.


Since his birth on Aug. 26, the 130-pound calf and new mom Kapuki, 8, have been bonding behind the scenes at Regenstein African Journey.  It was a big day all around for the little calf, as the public also learned his name for the first time— King.

Want more photos and background information? Read: Cute Overload: Critically-Endangered Black Rhino Born at Lincoln Park Zoo

“King the calf is named for King Harris, a long-standing and generous supporter of Lincoln Park Zoo with his wife, Caryn, who sits on our Board of Trustees,” zoo president and CEO, Kevin Bell, said in a written statement. “The Harris family’s support of the 2008 renovation and expansion of our rhino habitat made it possible for us to bring in an additional rhino and breed the species.” 

Young King is certainly animal royalty. Eastern black rhinos are critically endangered in their native Africa due largely to poaching.

The latest estimates place the number of wild rhinos at only around 5,000, according to zoo officials. 

“Breeding programs at zoos are of crucial importance to the survival of these remarkable animals, particularly as the numbers in the wild continue to dwindle,” Lincoln Park Zoo's curator of mammals Mark Kamhout said. “King will serve as an excellent ambassador for his species.” 

A nonprofit organization, the zoo is dedicated to rhino conservation and has been housing critically endangered black rhinos since 1982. It is currently home to three adult rhinos, including King’s dad, 27-year-old Maku.

In addition to working closely with the Rhinoceros Species Survival Plan (SSP), a cooperative breeding and management strategy overseen by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Lincoln Park Zoo supports rhinos through field work in their native South Africa.

The information zoo scientists gather on rhino hormone levels, parasites, and sleep patterns increases global understanding of how to manage and conserve the species. 

King and Kapuki can be seen from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Harris Family Foundation Black Rhinoceros Exhibit.

Be sure to stop by soon, as all the zoo’s rhinos will be heading inside once winter weather hits.

Editor's Note: The above information was provided by the Lincoln Park Zoo.