INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Zoo family is expanding with its first-ever rhinoceros calf.
The zoo announced 19-year-old white rhinoceros Zenzele is due to give birth to her seventh calf in February.
According to the zoo, rhinoceros pregnancies last around 16 months.
Zenzele came to the Indianapolis Zoo in June 2023 from The Wilds in Cumberland, Ohio, after a recommendation from the Associations of Zoos and Aquariums' Species Survival Plan, which manages threatened and endangered species to ensure sustainable and genetically diverse populations.
The zoo said the calf's father is Kengele, a white rhino who lives at The Wilds.
"The number of white rhinoceroses in the wild continue to decline, and it is crucial to raise awareness for their plight," said Dr. Robert Shumaker, president and CEO of the Indianapolis Zoo. "The historic birth of this calf will be a symbol of hope for the conservation of rhinoceroses around the world."
Zenzele's calf will bring the Indianapolis Zoo's herd of rhinoceroses to five, which also includes male Spike and females Mambo and Gloria, who is also Zenzele's grandmother.
The zoo confirmed both Zenzele and her calf are in good health.