Stressed about the election? Check out the OKC Zoo’s cute new baby rhino – and then vote on her name

Sanctuary Asia is home to another Indian rhino, Shanti, 32, who also arrived from the Fort Worth Zoo in 2019.

The Oklahoma City Zoo is inviting the public to vote on names for its baby female Indian rhino, which was born Oct. 23. She is the second offspring for Niki, 13. [Sabrina Heise photo]

Native to India and Nepal, Indian rhinos, can weigh more than 3,000 pounds and are known for their single horn and tough skin that resembles body armor. Indian rhinos are currently listed as “vulnerable” by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.

Through successful conservation programs and daily protection, Indian rhino populations in the wild have increased to more 3,600 animals. However, there is a continuing decline in the quality of their natural habitat and the species continues to be illegally hunted for its horn.

The OKC Zoo is helping save Indian rhinos by supporting the International Rhino Foundation’s efforts to protect vulnerable and critically endangered rhinos and their habitat in India with money from the Round Up for Conservation Fund. The zoo’s Round Up for Conservation program encourages guests to donate their change from any zoo purchase to help protect wildlife and wild places around the world. The Zoo’s American Association of Zookeepers chapter has raised more than $373,000 for rhinos in Asia and Africa through its fundraising efforts since 1990.

The Oklahoma City Zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Advance tickets are required for all guests and ZOOfriends members and can be purchased at www.okczoo.org/tickets. Zoo tickets are limited each day to ensure safe social distancing among guests. For more information, go to okczoo.org.

-BAM