Critically Endangered Black Rhino Is Pregnant And Due Any Moment Now

Aug 18, 2020 by apost team

In the throes of our darkest times, there are always some incidents that prove that good change will soon come. One such event is occurring at the Cincinnati zoo where a new member is expected to arrive. 

A black rhino named Seyia is expecting a child to arrive at any moment. The rhinos have long been endangered for a variety of reasons. The main threat to their population is being hunted for their horns by poachers, which are sold for ridiculously high prices on the black market.

Animals in cages have been the talk of the past few years and this has given zoos, as well as any other facility that showcases captive animals a bad reputation. Social activists have claimed that these animals might be better off if they were left in their natural habitats. While some animals may benefit from this, some species would not survive if left in the wild.

Poachers and loss of habitat by humans have been two of the most predominant threats faced by animals across the globe. Poachers have targetted unique animals for their body parts. For instance, elephants may be hunted for their tusks. The animals that they target have become endangered and due to human expansion into the wilderness, they have nowhere left to hide.

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Zoos as well as other facilities have kept such animals captive purely for the survival of their species. By caring for endangered animals, such facilities are saving them from extinction.

Approximately 99 zoos across the nation are holding rhinos. The rhino population has long been threatened by poachers, loss of habitat, disease, and natural disasters. They are usually hunted for their horns because it has great implications in the Chinese culture. Owning a rhino horn is a symbol of power and wealth. Not to mention, the rhino horn is used in traditional Chinese medications.

What many poachers do not know is that the rhino horn grows back after being cut off. However, countless rhinos are killed each year after having their horns removed. Rhino horns are typically priced around $60,000 per kilogram on the black market, making it more valuable than gold or even popular drugs.

The zoo in Cincinnati has wonderful news that takes us one step closer to saving the rhinos from going extinct. One of their black rhinos is pregnant and expecting to have a child very soon. The zookeepers have been very enthusiastic about this new arrival because it gives us a glimmer of hope for the rhinos.

Black rhinos can be typically found in Africa and Asia. They usually roam the savannah or tropics along with the other creatures of the wild. Today, a mere 29,000 rhinos are left in our world. This small number is quite heartbreaking.

You can only find plenty of rhinos in Africa, and very few in other regions of the world. A majority of these creatures are being held at national parks and reserves to save the species. If left in the world, the population might finally become extinct.

To save the rhinos in their natural habitat, poachers must be thoroughly banned from the area, however, this is difficult. Expert poachers are now heavily armed and ready to fight anti-poachers who cross their paths. They are supported by known international gangs and given the most up-to-date equipment in their mission to hunt rhinos. Rhinos are now being killed at a higher rate than in previous years.

However, zoos and similar facilities make it possible for these creatures to thrive and hopefully, rebuild their population. The pregnant black rhino had already given birth to her first calf back in 2017. The zoo has been taking excellent care of her family and hopes that they continue to flourish.

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