Cincinnati Zoo Just Introduced The Cutest New Addition To The Family, Rare Newborn Black Rhino

Mother rhino, Seyia, gave birth to Kendi on Monday July 17.  Kendi is the first Eastern Black Rhino calf to be born at the zoo since 1999. The mother rhino, very patiently, waited 15 long whole months to give birth. Once she had though, she was very quick to be doting to her first child. 

Cameras that were put in her private enclosure not only captured Kendi's birth, but her mothers care after, as well as, the newborns first steps! The quick learner is going to steer up some competition for the current zoo superstar, baby hippo Fiona! Whose going to get the "Most Precious Zoo Newborn" Award now?!

But, Kendi isn't just another cutie newborn. The black rhino is also an important addition to the overall animal kingdom. 

"Every time a rhino calf is born it's incredibly important for the population, which includes fewer than 60 in North America. Calves will stay with their mothers for 3-4 years which means that the average female can only have one calf every 5 years." Says curator of mammals at the Cincinnati Zoo, Christina Goruch

But, right now the most important thing is that Kendi has some quality time with it's mother. The newborn has spent the past 24 hours enjoying quality time with it's mom, and the zoo keepers have given the family their space. The zoo has not yet confirmed the gender of the rhino, but gave the meaning of the name. Kendi, in Swahili means, "the loved one"... 

And we are pretty positive that is what this Kendi will be.