Tanganyika Wildlife Park in Goddard has announced that Monica, the famous Indian Rhino and first of her species to be born through artificial insemination, is expecting a calf at the Park.
This will be the first rhino baby born at Tanganyika, and the pregnancy has been confirmed through both urine analysis and ultrasound.
In anticipation of a successful birth, the keepers at Tanganyika Wildlife Park have been training Monica for ultrasound and well-being checks for the past two years. It takes a dedicated team of individuals to care for a pregnant rhino, and Monica has been receiving top-notch care from the staff at the Park.
To confirm the pregnancy, Monica’s urine was analyzed by reproductive specialist Dr. Monica Stoops, who determined that Monica is indeed expecting. Throughout the pregnancy, Tanganyika’s veterinarian, Dr. Gregory Seiler, has been performing ultrasounds to monitor Monica’s progress.
According to Monica’s keeper, who has been working with Monica for the past year, the pregnancy has been clearly visible for some time.
“I can see and feel the baby move when I give Monica her belly scratches,” said her keeper, Sierra. “She’s definitely showing all the signs of a healthy pregnancy: long naps, increased appetite, and lots of resting.” Stacks, another Indian Rhino at the Park, is the father of the calf.
Tanganyika Wildlife Park was founded in 1953 as a breeding facility for rare and endangered species, and that mission remains at the core of the Park’s values today. With more than 400 animals representing more than 50 species, Tanganyika has a long history of connecting people with wildlife and working to preserve these species for future generations. In 2022 alone, the Park saw the birth of 61 babies, and the arrival of Monica’s calf will be another exciting addition to the Park’s growing family.
This news not only marks a milestone for Monica and Tanganyika Wildlife Park, but also for rhino conservation efforts worldwide. Indian Rhinos, also known as greater one-horned rhinos, are a vulnerable species with a population of just over 3,500 individuals in the wild. Zoos like Tanganyika Wildlife Park play a vital role in protecting and breeding endangered species, and the successful artificial insemination of Monica is a promising development in the efforts to increase the population of these magnificent animals.
Visitors to Tanganyika Wildlife Park will be able to see Monica and her calf on exhibit during the 2023 season, once the calf is old enough. The Park is already making preparations for the arrival and is excited to share this special moment with the community.
Right now, the park is offering an opportunity for a select few visitors to attend a baby shower for Monica and her calf. For more information, visit www.twpark.com.
