CUMBERLAND, OH — For the second time in just over three weeks, the rolling hills of Muskingum County have become a nursery for one of the world’s most iconic species. The Wilds announced today the birth of a female southern white rhino calf, born on March 28, 2026.
This arrival marks the 15th fifth-generation rhino born at the world-renowned conservation center, solidifying its reputation as a global leader in sustaining rhino populations outside of Africa.
A Growing Family
The newborn is the third calf for Kali, a 12-year-old southern white rhino who was herself born at The Wilds. The calf was sired by Bernard, a resident male whose prolific legacy now includes 17 offspring throughout his lifetime.
According to animal management teams, both Kali and her daughter are doing well and are currently bonding in the rhino barn.
“Welcoming two calves in such a short time is a testament to the expertise and dedication of our animal management teams,” said Dr. Joe Greathouse, Vice President of The Wilds. “Their daily care and long-term planning are central to our leadership in rhino conservation.”
A “Spring Bloom” of Rhinos
The female calf joins a male calf born just weeks earlier on March 5 to mother Agnes, also sired by Bernard. While the two youngsters have not yet been introduced, they are both hitting their developmental milestones. Visitors can expect to see them interacting and exploring their habitat together soon as they begin to show their distinct personalities.
The Wilds is home to one of the largest southern white rhino herds in North America. These births are part of a carefully managed Species Survival Plan® (SSP) coordinated by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) to ensure genetic diversity.
From the Brink to the Bluegrass (and Ohio)
The success of the program at The Wilds serves as a powerful reminder of the southern white rhino’s recovery. At the turn of the 20th century, fewer than 100 of these animals remained in the wild. Today, conservation efforts have helped that number rebound to tens of thousands, though they remain classified as “Near Threatened” due to persistent poaching and habitat loss.
Plan Your Visit
Guests hoping to see the new arrivals have several options this spring:
- Winter Tours (Through April): The Rhino Barn Tour and Winter Wildside Tour offer the best chances to see the calves during the colder months.
- Full Season (May–October): A full selection of daily safari tours will be available.
- Overnight Stays: The Wilds recently opened the new Hellbender RV Campground for those looking for an immersive experience.
Updates on the calves—including their highly anticipated names—will be shared on The Wilds’ social media channels in the coming weeks. For more information or to book a tour, visit TheWilds.org.
