Watch the incredible moment an Eastern black rhino is born at Chester Zoo – raising fresh hopes for the critically endangered species

This intimate video shows the incredible moment an endangered eastern black rhinoceros was born at Chester Zoo.

The footage shows Zuri, the mother of the rhinoceros, finally giving birth to her baby after a 15-month pregnancy.

Keepers say it’s uncommon for rhinos to give birth during the day, providing a rare opportunity to see a healthy calf being born.

With only 600 eastern black rhinos left in the wild, these little rhinos are not only cute, but also an important part of conservation efforts.

Emma Iveson, Rhino Team Manager at Chester Zoo, said: “The arrival of this precious baby is another positive step in protecting this species.”

The calf is only a few days old and is already racing around his pen where keepers say he and her mother are inseparable

Chester Zoo shared the exciting news in a post on X (formerly Twitter), showing the female calf being delivered to a bed of soft sand.

The video also shows the baby rhino’s first few steps as it follows its mother around the cage and begins to explore the world.

“Seeing the calf enter the world safely, right before our eyes, was just an incredible privilege,” Ms Ivegen said.

A later video posted to X shows the calf running and following her mother everywhere.

“What’s most important now during these first few days is that mum Zuri and her new baby spend time bonding and getting to know each other,” Ms Evign added.

“So far, the pair have been inseparable, and the cub is feeding regularly and is already gaining size and weight.

“She is very curious and full of energy, which is great to see.”

Social media users shared congratulations and congratulations on the new baby.

Commenters on X shared their excitement over the birth of the adorable calf, and sent congratulations to the zoo for its conservation efforts.

Its breeders say the calf is eating well and full of energy, although it spends most of its time following its mother around the cage.

“That’s great, great news!” one commenter wrote while another added: “Who can’t fall in love?”

For one of the world’s rarest mammals, the birth of a healthy calf is a huge win for conservationists.

The illegal trade in rhino horn, stemming from the traditional Asian medicine market, has pushed the eastern black rhino almost to the brink of extinction.

In the wild, 95 percent of the population has been wiped out, with small numbers remaining in Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda.

However, conservation projects are beginning to take some positive steps toward recovering species populations.

Figures released this year show that for the first time in more than a decade, eastern black rhino numbers are increasing slightly.

Chester Zoo was also part of a program that released a population of rhinos bred in European zoos in the Akagera National Park in Rwanda.

Mike Jordan, director of fauna and flora at Chester Zoo, says: “It is incredibly positive news that conservation efforts across Africa have led to a slight rebound in rhino numbers, giving some much-needed breathing room, as we know that… “There is still a lot of work to do.” Done.’

He added: “Zuri and her new arrival are testament to the unwavering dedication of conservationists here in Chester, and around the world, who are working to protect these amazing animals and ensure they thrive long into the future.”