Rare Indian rhino calf born at Fota Wildlife Park in only second such birth in Ireland

The male calf was born to Maya and Jamil in July, as the Cork wildlife park celebrates a string of conservation breeding successes

Fota Wildlife Park is delighted to announce the birth of a male Indian rhino calf, born on the 13th of July to mother Maya and father Jamil.

Visitors to Fota Wildlife Park are being invited to help name a rare Indian rhino calf, following his birth at the Cork attraction last month.

The male calf was born on July 13 to 13-year-old mother Maya and father Jamil, also 13, and is only the second Indian rhinoceros ever born in Ireland.

He is also just the second Indian rhino to be born in Fota Wildlife Park's history.

The calf is doing well and is being closely monitored by the park's animal care team, with his mother described as particularly protective.

Liam McConville, senior ranger at Fota, said staff were delighted with the birth following a gestation period of more than 16 months.

“We were all absolutely delighted when Maya gave birth on the 13th of July to a very healthy calf after the gestation period of over 16 months.

“This is Maya and Jamil’s second calf, and because Indian rhino births are so rare in zoological organisations, both in Europe and around the world, it’s a one we’re incredibly proud to celebrate.”

The Indian rhinoceros, also known as the greater one-horned rhinoceros, is classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Picture: Michael O'Sullivan / OSM PHOTO

The calf has already begun exploring his habitat and developing behaviours associated with the species.

Indian rhinos are known for wallowing in mud and spending time in water to keep cool, and the young calf has already taken a liking to the muddy areas of his habitat.

He continues to get most of his nutrition from nursing but has started copying his mother by nibbling on leaves and branches.

Conservation success 

The Indian rhinoceros, also known as the greater one-horned rhino, is classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, with an estimated 4,000 remaining in the wild.

Native to northern India and southern Nepal, the species has recovered from the brink of extinction through conservation efforts, although habitat loss and illegal poaching continue to threaten it.

Fota Wildlife Park is delighted to announce the birth of a male Indian rhino calf, born on the 13th of July to mother Maya and father Jamil.

Maya was born at Rotterdam Zoo and arrived at Fota in 2020 from the Botanical Garden Branfér in Nantes, France, as part of the European Endangered Species Breeding Programme.

Jamil was born at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo in the UK and arrived at Fota in 2015. Both adult rhinos weigh approximately two tonnes.

The birth follows a series of conservation successes at Fota, including Sumatran tiger cubs, a Nubian giraffe, Asian lion cubs, a François' langur monkey and European bison calves.

Name the calf 

Visitors can submit suggestions for the calf's name at the Serengeti Shop until September 13.

One winner will receive an annual pass, with suggestions encouraged to reflect the species' native range and cultural heritage.