CUMBERLAND, OH — The hills of Muskingum County are a little livelier this week following the birth of a 100-pound male southern white rhino at The Wilds.
The calf, born on March 5 at approximately 1 p.m., is the first rhino of the year for the world-renowned conservation center. The birth marks over two decades of success for a breeding program that has transformed the Ohio outpost into one of the most significant rhino sanctuaries in North America.
A Strong Start for “Agnes” and Her Calf
The newborn was born to mother Agnes and father Bernard. Animal management teams, who have been monitoring the pair around the clock, report that the calf is healthy, nursing well, and bonding quickly with his mother.
“Agnes is an experienced, attentive mom, and it’s been rewarding to see her care for her new calf,” said Animal Management Specialist Cody Cseplo. “Moments like this offer an incredible glimpse into the daily care, patience, and dedication that go into supporting both the animals and the long-term success of the program.”
A Conservation Comeback Story
The birth is a significant win for the Species Survival Plan® (SSP), a coordinated effort among accredited zoos to maintain genetic diversity. The southern white rhino is a “poster child” for conservation:
- The Brink of Extinction: In the early 1900s, fewer than 100 of the species remained.
- The Recovery: Today, thanks to efforts like those at The Wilds, the population has rebounded to tens of thousands.
- The Wilds’ Impact: Since its first rhino birth in 2004, the center has successfully raised four and five generations of rhinos, maintaining one of the largest multigenerational herds on the continent.
“Each calf born here represents important progress toward sustaining a healthy, genetically diverse population,” said Dr. Joe Greathouse, Vice President of The Wilds.
More to Come
This newborn is just the beginning for the center’s 2026 season. Officials confirmed that another southern white rhino calf is expected later this year.
For those wanting to see the new addition, The Wilds is currently offering Winter Tours, including the Rhino Barn Tour, through April. More expansive tour options, which allow guests to see the rhinos in their sprawling open-pasture habitats, will resume in May.
For more information on the calf or to book an overnight stay at the new Hellbender RV Campground, visit TheWilds.org.
