The Racine Zoo in Wisconsin has transferred its female eastern black rhino, Timu, to another Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited facility as part of a breeding recommendation under the AZA’s Species Survival Plan.Timu first arrived at the Racine Zoo in 2003 and had shared an enclosure with another rhino, Kianga, who was moved to Milwaukee County Zoo last fall. The two had been paired to breed under the SSP’s recommendation, but the pairing did not result in a successful birth.Video above: Zoo celebrates a $22.6 million rhino care center, offering a spacious habitat for rhinos and interactive experiences for visitorsThe AZA’s breeding recommendations this year called for Timu to be transferred to a facility with a track record of success in eastern black rhino breeding.Racine Zoo staff worked with the receiving facility’s team on the transition, including modifications to Timu’s diet, training and online meetings so the new staff could become familiar with her.”We are proud to help increase the conservation of endangered species for generations to come,” said Beth Heidorn, executive director of the Racine Zoo.”Timu was a guest favorite, and we were sad to see her go but so excited for her future and what that means to her kind,” said Beth Heidorn, executive director of the Racine Zoo.Eastern black rhinos are critically endangered, with wild populations declining from around 70,000 in the 1970s to about 1,650 today. The decline is attributed to illegal hunting, primarily for their horns.The zoo said it will announce news about a new resident for the facility’s north end in the future.
The Racine Zoo in Wisconsin has transferred its female eastern black rhino, Timu, to another Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited facility as part of a breeding recommendation under the AZA’s Species Survival Plan.
Timu first arrived at the Racine Zoo in 2003 and had shared an enclosure with another rhino, Kianga, who was moved to Milwaukee County Zoo last fall. The two had been paired to breed under the SSP’s recommendation, but the pairing did not result in a successful birth.
Video above: Zoo celebrates a $22.6 million rhino care center, offering a spacious habitat for rhinos and interactive experiences for visitors
The AZA’s breeding recommendations this year called for Timu to be transferred to a facility with a track record of success in eastern black rhino breeding.
Racine Zoo staff worked with the receiving facility’s team on the transition, including modifications to Timu’s diet, training and online meetings so the new staff could become familiar with her.
“We are proud to help increase the conservation of endangered species for generations to come,” said Beth Heidorn, executive director of the Racine Zoo.”Timu was a guest favorite, and we were sad to see her go but so excited for her future and what that means to her kind,” said Beth Heidorn, executive director of the Racine Zoo.
Eastern black rhinos are critically endangered, with wild populations declining from around 70,000 in the 1970s to about 1,650 today. The decline is attributed to illegal hunting, primarily for their horns.
The zoo said it will announce news about a new resident for the facility’s north end in the future.
