Zookeepers at the Oregon Zoo were on high alert last weekend as the newest addition to their family made his grand debut. That’s right, after weeks of anticipation, the baby rhino finally took his first steps outside. And wait for it…he’s a boy!
Crowds of visitors gathered around to catch a glimpse of the little guy as he tentatively explored his new surroundings. It was hard not to be impressed with the sheer adorableness of the situation. After all, what’s cuter than a six-week-old rhino?
But it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows for the keepers in charge of the little guy. They had a lot to contend with over these past weeks. Waking up at all hours of the night to feed him, cleaning up endless amounts of poop, and managing to keep their cool while dealing with the over-excited media frenzy.
One zookeeper we spoke to couldn’t contain his excitement. “We’ve been waiting for this moment for so long! It’s just been such a magical experience watching him grow and it’s great to finally share that with the world.”
And the world was certainly watching. Social media was alight with oohs and aahs, and everyone seemed to have an opinion on the new arrival. Some were relieved that the little guy was healthy and happy, while others voiced their concerns about keeping such a grand mammal in captivity.
We asked local wildlife experts for their take on the situation, and they were quick to share their opinions. “While it’s great that the little guy is healthy, we have to remember that zoos aren’t ideal for any animal. It’s just not natural, you know?” one expert shared.
But the keepers at the Oregon Zoo are quick to defend their mission. “We do everything we can to make sure the animals at our zoo are happy and healthy. We provide them with plenty of space to move around, and we make sure they get all the food and attention they need. It’s not perfect, but it’s certainly better than the alternatives.”
The little rhino may still have a lot to learn about the world, but it’s clear that he’s in good hands. The keepers at the Oregon Zoo have dedicated their lives to ensuring the safety and well-being of all the animals in their care, and this little guy is no exception.
So while there may be some who criticize the existence of zoos altogether, for now, we can all take a moment to appreciate the cuteness factor of the Oregon Zoo’s newest resident.
