After months of renovations and upgrades, Zoo Miami’s Black Rhino barn and habitat has been reopened and has welcomed back its first black rhino! Yesterday, “Eddie,” a 23 year-old male, was given access to his new yard for the first time. As he carefully explored his new upgrades, he first enjoyed the new vegetation that had grown on top of the rockwork during his absence. He then went around the entire habitat, carefully spraying the rockwork with his urine to mark his territory! One of the most significant changes to the habitat is the conversion of the old pools into clay wallows. Though initially hesitant to step onto the clay, his curiosity eventually got the best of him! As he stepped in for the first time, his tremendous weight caused his thick legs to sink a foot or so into the clay, much like walking in deep snow. Though it startled him at first, he soon adjusted and eventually was walking throughout the wallow. He was given access over-night and must have truly enjoyed the wallow because this morning he was covered in clay and may be better referred to from now as a “Red Rhino!” I’ve attached some images that I was able to capture of him as he first stepped out to the new habitat to explore it (may be the last images of him showing his natural grey color!) and then venturing into the clay pit for the first time. There are also some follow-up images of him this morning showing his “conversion” from black rhino to “red” rhino!”
