Lions and Tigers and Rhinos! Oh My! Racine Zoo Welcomes Eastern Black Rhino
The Racine Zoo is pleased to welcome Kianga, an eastern black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis michaeli) to the Zoo. Kianga is a three year old male who was born at and has been residing at Brookfield Zoo in Brookfield, IL. He weighs approximately 2,200 lbs and is approximately five feet tall and nine feet long. Kianga will join the Zoos female eastern black rhinoceros, Timu.
According to Brookfield Zoo officials, Kianga is playful and easygoing. He also is curious and friendly; enjoying attention from animal care specialists. His diet consists of apples, carrots, bananas, sweet potatoes, bread, low fiber grain and grass hay.
"We are excited to welcome Kianga to the Racine Zoo and will begin the slow process of introducing him to Timu. We have every reason to believe they will get along well, but due to the size of the animals and their instinctual tendencies, there is a protocol that is followed for bringing them together, " said Jay Christie, President & CEO, Racine Zoo.
Kianga is coming to the Racine Zoo as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZAs) Species Survival Plan (SSP) program to help ensure the survival of selected wildlife species. Each SSP manages the breeding of a species in order to maintain a healthy and sustaining population that is both genetically diverse and demographically stable.
The Racine Zoo is open daily. Hours between Labor Day and Memorial Day are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The winter admission price, starting November 1, is 2 dollars for adults, 1 dollar for children 3 - 15, 1 dollar and fifty cents for seniors. Zoo members and children under three are free. The mission of the Racine Zoological Society is to foster an enlightening and affordable wildlife experience that improves the bond between people and nature. The Society will provide for the recreation and education of the people, the conservation of wildlife and wild places, and the advancement of science.
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