TOKYO—In a rare conservation success, Tama Zoological Park in western Tokyo celebrated the birth of an endangered Indian rhinoceros, the first such event at the facility in 50 years. The zoo announced that both the newborn rhino and its mother are in good health following the early September birth.
According to Philippines News Agency, this marks a significant milestone for Tama Zoological Park, which last witnessed the birth of an Indian rhinoceros in December 1973, when a rhino named Taro was born. “This is a monumental event not only for our zoo but also for the conservation of this vulnerable species,” the zoo stated. Currently, the mother and calf are being kept away from public view to ensure their well-being and to facilitate a calm environment.
The Indian rhinoceros, listed as vulnerable on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List since 2018, has seen its population slowly recover from near-extinction levels. Once reduced to around 200 individuals in the early 20th century due to rampant hunting and habitat loss, concerted conservation efforts have helped stabilize their numbers. This birth is seen as a hopeful symbol for the species, which historically roamed widely across northern India.