The San Diego Zoo announced Friday that a black rhinoceros, which belongs to a critically endangered species, was born at the Safari Park.
"Poaching is the main reason why the numbers of black rhinos are on the decline," said animal keeper Julie Anderson. "Any birth here at the park is an important birth, and we have been very fortunate to have a newborn baby here at the Safari Park."
Around 5,000 black rhinos are believed to remain in the wild, according to the zoo.
The 6-day-old, as-yet unnamed male calf has been exploring his exhibit but is keeping close to his mother.
This is the 15th black rhino born at the Safari Park and fifth calf to mother Lembe and father Jambia. Both mother and calf are visible to guests taking the facility's Africa Tram tour.
Animal keepers say Lembe is very protective of her calf and runs around her exhibit with her tail pointed up, a cue that lets him know she is on alert and watching over him. The young calf trots closely behind, sometimes fumbling over his footing, as he is still getting comfortable keeping up with his mother.
