Columbus Wilds is experiencing a rhino baby boom

Columbus, Ohio (W.C.M.H.) — It may not seem like a seasonal destination, but winter and early spring wilderness can be quite spectacular, especially if you love rhinos.

Today, we have six compelling reasons to book your next adventure.

“We had six calves born in the wild this year. Four white rhinos and two large one-horned rhinos. All calved in a very short period of time, from September to early February. Everyone. They're about the same age,” said Cody Sepulo, animal care specialist at The Wilds. “They all grow up with their parents and their friends, learning how to become little rhinos.”

If six births seems like a lot, that's because it is. This baby boom is a record for The Wilds staff, who are relatively hands-off in the birthing process. The staff not only prepare the space for the rhinos to be born, they actually just monitor the growth of each calf.

“We want to make sure the calf is standing within an hour or two of birth,” Chepulo said. “We want to make sure that the calf is nursing within an hour or two after that. And we want to make sure that the calf is nursing regularly, processing nutrition as needed, and that it's developing properly. I just want to.”

During this cold season, extensive facilities to keep them in a socially appropriate environment will help them thrive. “Keeping white rhinos in herds and letting the calves grow up with the rest of the herd from one month of age is what white rhinos do in the wild,” Chepulo said.

“They are able to interact with all other rhinos at one month of age, which we can then emulate here, which is very unique for our situation. You can raise them more individually and then incorporate them as they get older.'' Having the space and equipment to do that is very unique in this world, and I'm excited to be a part of it. , I'm very fortunate to witness that every day. ”

Visit during winter or early spring and take a winter rhino barn tour to see rhinos up close. Click this link for more information.

https://www.nbc4i.com/news/local-news/central-ohio-news/columbus-wilds-has-rhino-baby-boom/ Columbus Wilds is experiencing a rhino baby boom