Second Rhino Calf of 2026 Born at The Wilds
CUMBERLAND, OH – Just weeks after welcoming its first rhino calf of the year, The Wilds has welcomed a second southern white rhino, a female calf born on , 2026.
This calf is the third for Kali, a 12-year-old southern white rhino who was also born at The Wilds, and continues a long-standing legacy that underscores the strength of the conservation center’s breeding program. Animal management teams have noted that both mother and calf are doing well and continuing to bond in the rhino barn.
The calf’s sire is Bernard, who resides at The Wilds. This is his second calf born at the conservation center and the 17th he has sired throughout his lifetime. Pairings are recommended through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan® (SSP), which supports a healthy, genetically diverse population in professional care.
This birth represents the 15th fifth-generation southern white rhino calf born at The Wilds, reinforcing its role as a leader in sustaining successive generations of rhinos outside of Africa. The Wilds is home to one of the largest southern white rhino herds in North America. The conservation center also cares for greater one-horned rhinos, further expanding its impact on global rhino conservation.
The arrival follows the birth of a male calf on , 2026, to mother Agnes, also sired by Bernard. Animal management teams report that Agnes and her calf are also doing well. The two calves have not yet been introduced and will continue to develop alongside their mothers, with introductions planned soon as they grow and begin to explore, interact, and show their personalities. Additional updates, including names for both calves, will be shared on The Wilds’ social media channels as they become available.
“Welcoming two calves in such a short time is a testament to the expertise and dedication of our animal management teams,” said Dr. Joe Greathouse, vice president of The Wilds. “Their daily care and long-term planning are central to The Wilds’ leadership in rhino conservation and play an important role in supporting the future of this species.”
Southern white rhinos were once on the brink of extinction, with fewer than 100 individuals remaining in the early 1900s. Through coordinated conservation efforts, including habitat protection and population management, the species has rebounded to tens of thousands. Southern white rhinos are classified as Near Threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Despite this progress, threats such as habitat loss and poaching persist, underscoring the importance of ongoing conservation work.
Guests hoping to catch a glimpse of the rhino herd, including the calves, can explore The Wilds through a variety of winter tours, including the Rhino Barn Tour and Winter Wildside Tour offered through April, with a full selection of tour options available May through October.
For those looking to extend their adventure, The Wilds offers a variety of unique overnight accommodations, including the new Hellbender RV Campground. For more information about tours, conservation initiatives, events, and educational opportunities, please visit TheWilds.org and follow The Wilds on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.
