Krefeld zoo enthusiastic: Rhine-Mother Mara gives birth to boy!

Krefeld zoo enthusiastic: Rhine-Mother Mara gives birth to boy!

On April 3, 2025, the rhino mother Mara gave birth to her first young animal in the Krefeld zoo. The female calf, which is called Billie, is a significant event in the breeding history of the pointed homes, since these animals are considered loners and are usually only kept in couples. According to Lokalklick.eu , the offspring of pointed girls in human obstacles is rare and is therefore particularly important in the zoo animal posture.

The promotion of the meal population has a story in the Krefeld zoo that started in 2006. At that time Davu was born, followed by four other young animals, including Najuma, who saw the light of day in 2016. All off -breeding animals were relocated to other European zoos. The decision is particularly noteworthy to make three descendants in the Akagera National Park in Rwanda in 2019. These animals form an important basis for the preservation of the species, which, according to the red list of IUCN, is classified as much endangered.

Current situation of the pointed girls' horns

2024 420 pointed homes were poached in South Africa, whereby the horn continues to be one of the most expensive illegal wildlife products worldwide. Wildlay and habitat destruction represent serious threats to the existence of these animals. However, protective measures have led to a slight increase in stocks in recent years, although according to wwf.de The number of nashorns killed in 2023 sank by 15 percent. The Krefeld Zoo actively contributes to the protection of species and donates around 17,000 euros annually to the partner project "Save the Rhino Trust".

While the global rhino population has a slight increase, the pressure of the poaching, especially in South Africa, remains high. According to SigmaEarth.com were killed in Africa 586 Nashörner in 2023. At the same time, protective measures in some regions, such as in Kenya, led to the population of 380 rhinos rose to over 1,000 in 1986. These measures are crucial for the future of Africa's most beautiful animals.

Future of rhino breeding in the Krefeld Zoo

Currently Mara and her newborn Billie are not yet accessible to the zoo visitors. The Krefeld Zoo gives Mara time to get used to her new role as a mother. It is expected that the first visitor groups will be able to visit the large animal house in the middle of the next week, with special precautions to apply. To protect Mara and Billie, large cameras and tripods are initially not allowed, since Mara is considered frightening.

The combination of breeding programs, financial support and active protective measures offers hope for the future of the pointed -on -headers. Nevertheless, there is a need for determined measures to combat poaching and to restore their natural habitats. This is the only way to achieve the goal of one day that over 14,000 pointed homes live again in the savannas of Africa.