Columbus Zoo and Aquarium recently welcomed a 4-year-old larger rhinoceros named Brian. (Photo provided)
Gaerner, Ohio – He is majestic, weighing approximately 3,500 pounds, and is a key member of its endangered species.
And his name is Brian.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium recently welcomed a 4-year-old larger rhinoceros that arrived on April 9th from the Center for Conservation of Tropical Hufties, a sustainability partner of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in Florida.
The Columbus Zoo animal care staff, along with a veterinarian and facility team members, traveled with Brian to make sure he arrived safely.
The larger rhinoceros, once classified as critically endangered, has seen steady population growth thanks to strict government protection.
The International Union is now listing the larger unicorn rhinoceros to protect nature “Red List of Threatened Species” as vulnerable.
According to the World Wildlife Fund, only 600 individuals survived in their home areas of India and Nepal by 1975. Since then, researchers have estimated that the population has grown to include more than 3,500 larger unicorn rhinos living in these areas.
However, these rhinos continue to face threats, including invasive grasses taking over their habitat and weather extremes like floods from climate change. They are also killed by poachers selling rhinoceros for ornamental or traditional medicinal purposes, although there are no scientifically proven health benefits for its use.
His support team in the zoo’s Asia Quest region reports that Brian has settled in well. The team took cues from him and introduced him behind the scenes to various areas when he indicated he was ready. The zookeepers have also worked with him to build a trusting relationship with him – especially when it comes to applesauce and alfalfa hay.
Now that Brian has had time to familiarize himself with his surroundings, guests have the opportunity to see him inside the elephant and rhino building. You will likely find him doing one of his favorite pastimes – playing in the pile of sand. The viewing schedules are set by Brian and are subject to change.
Brian’s move was recommended as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan, a cooperatively managed program to maximize genetic diversity and improve the population sustainability of threatened and endangered species in human care. There are currently about 80 larger rhinos in zoos in North America.
By providing a home for a larger rhino, Columbus Zoo and The Wilds can collaborate in a crucial effort to breed this endangered species.
Larger rhinos are naturally lonely and only come together during breeding. When a man and a woman get together, advertising behavior can be pretty extreme.
The pastures at The Wilds in Cumberland are a perfect place for these introductions. With that in mind, the Zoo and The Wilds are supporting the Rhino SSP program by having zoo house Brian, the future breeding bulls of The Wilds.
This partnership will allow for an easier transition when the time comes for The Wilds to welcome Brian and introduce him to the women.
Guests visiting the Asia Question region of Columbus Zoo will find renovations going on at the Nashornhof. Rosie, the beloved black rhinoceros, once lived in this habitat. She lived a long life, but by the age of 30 her health deteriorated rapidly and she was humanely euthanized in November 2020.
At the time, the habitat provided a home for Rosie (and previously other black rhinos, Kijito and Kulinda) where the animal care team could manage a pair of black rhinos to support this African-native species.
Rosie’s legacy
To continue Rosie’s legacy and continue the zoo’s efforts to protect the rhinos, these renovations are being carried out at the Rhino Courtyard on the northwest corner of the Elephant and Rhino Building in preparation for the needs of the larger rhinoceros native to Asia.
The habitat will include several new functions, including the expansion of the two smaller courtyards into one larger space, a pool for this semi-aquatic species, and additional observation spots for zoo guests.
The renovations, funded thanks to the generosity of Franklin County’s voters who support the zoo levy and other financial assistance and contributions, are expected to be completed by late spring.
“As a representative of his endangered species, Brian plays an important role in protecting the future of larger rhinos.” said Columbus Bor and Aquarium Interim President / CEO Jerry Borin. “Our Zoo and Wilds employees are proud to join our community and conservation partners in raising public awareness of rhinos and conserving their populations so that rhinos can be available for generations to come.”
To further protect the future of rhinos, Columbus Zoo and The Wilds have allocated more than $ 218,000 over the past five years to support conservation projects that benefit rhinos in their native areas.
This includes the monitoring of black and white rhinos in Zimbabwe’s Lowveld region by the International Rhino Foundation, the protection of black rhinos in the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary in Kenya by the African Wildlife Foundation, and habitat restoration with a focus on the short grass, the white rhinoceros via the White Rhinos: Rhinoceros Fund are eating Uganda.
Columbus Zoo also actively participates in AZA’s “Saving Animals From Extinction” program for black rhinos.
The Wilds is the only facility outside of Africa where white rhinos were born four and five generations away from their wild-born ancestors.
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