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CUMBERLAND, OH – The Wilds is celebrating two exciting new arrivals—a Grévy’s zebra foal and a greater one-horned rhino calf—each representing a remarkable moment for the species and the teams who care for them. These births mark significant milestones for the dedicated teams caring for these species and for global conservation efforts.
The Grévy’s zebra foal was born on July 7, 2025 to mother Lisa Marie. This is her second foal since she was born at The Wilds in 2017. The foal’s sire, named Two Step, came to The Wilds in 2021. With fewer than 3,000 individuals remaining in their native range, Grévy’s zebras are the most endangered of all zebra species. Native to northern Kenya and southern Ethiopia, their populations face threats including habitat loss, competition with livestock, and reduced access to water.
Less than three weeks later, on July 18, 2025, a greater one-horned rhino calf was born in the pasture to 5-year-old Rohini, marking her first calf and long-time rhino resident Sanya's first grandkid born at The Wilds. Both mom and calf are doing well. Animal care experts report that the calf is strong, active, nursing well, and curiously exploring the area near Rohini.
The calf’s father is Suru, a 24-year-old male who came to The Wilds from Zoo Miami in 2021. This marks Suru’s third surviving calf born at The Wilds.
The sexes of the new arrivals have not yet been determined. These births are part of The Wilds’ participation in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan® (SSP) for both the greater one-horned rhinoceros and Grévy’s zebra—programs designed to help ensure healthy, genetically diverse populations of threatened and endangered species in professional care.
With this new arrival, The Wilds has welcomed a total of 13 greater one-horned rhino calves since 2005 and is currently home to six individuals of this species. The Wilds is also home to 15 southern white rhinos—two males and 12 females—and includes 13 fifth-generation calves. In total, 33 white rhinos have been born at The Wilds throughout its history. The conservation center is also notable as the only facility outside of Africa with rhinos born five generations removed from their wild-born ancestors, and it remains one of only a few in North America to successfully breed and care for both rhino species.
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species™, the greater one-horned rhino is classified as Vulnerable, the southern white rhino as Near Threatened, and the Grévy’s zebra as Endangered. While populations of these species have shown progress thanks to conservation efforts, they continue to face critical threats in their native habitats, including poaching, habitat degradation, and climate-related challenges.
“These two births are a celebration for The Wilds, our community, and for global conservation efforts,” said Dr. Joe Smith, Vice President and Director of The Wilds. “The births reflect the dedication of our Animal Management and Conservation Medicine teams and the vital role that The Wilds plays in protecting vulnerable species. We’re especially excited to see Rohini step into her new role as a mom, and we look forward to watching both little ones grow and inspire future generations.”
Guests hoping to catch a glimpse of the new rhino calf can explore The Wilds through Open-Air Safari Tours and Wildside Tours, based on tour availability and the needs of the animals. Open-Air Safaris are presented by G&J Pepsi.
The Wilds is open year round, with a full selection of tour options offered from May through October and specialty tours available from November through April. For those looking to extend their adventure, The Wilds offers a variety of unique overnight accommodations, including the new Hellbender RV Campground, which opened this spring. For more information about tours, conservation initiatives, events, and educational opportunities, please visit TheWilds.org and follow The Wilds’ social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.
