VIDEO: Three Rhino Siblings Meet on Kilimanjaro Safaris
A very important meeting happened at Disney’s Animal Kingdom this week. Four month old rhino Logan made his debut on the Kilimanjaro Safaris this weekend and it was the first time he met his Rhino siblings Ranger, Mylo and Logan.
Ranger was the first white rhino birth at Walt Disney World in five years back in October of 2020. He was followed by Mylo in September of 2021 and Logan two months later in November 2021. Logan was named after her parents Lola and Dugan and is the youngest of the three rhinos at Animal Kingdom.
The birth of these rhino siblings is a major achievement and provide a unique experience for scientists to learn more about the species which can ultimately benefit rhinos worldwide. The Animal, Science and Environment team helped make this family reunion possible which is a process that started more than two years ago with the coordination of scientists, veterinarians, animal keepers and other cast members.
You can check out the momentous occasion in the video below:
Let’s look at some of the many processes involved in growing the rhino population at Walt Disney World:
- Selection via the Species Survival Plan – There is lots of planning an logistical preparation involved. Pairing of the rhinos is done through the Species Survival Plan (overseen by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums) to ensure responsible breeding of endangered species. The genetic diversity of the Rhinos is considered to ensure a healthy animal population for generations.
- Animal Nutrition – Disney’s team of animal nutritionists monitor the diets of animals to make sure they’re getting all the nutrients they need. Once paired, rhino diets are adjusted for pregnancy, lactation and growth.
- Endocrinology – Animal endocrinologists monitor hormone patterns that will change after ovulation and throughout the rhinos pregnancy. Rhinos are even trained to voluntarily participate in their own care making it easier for the team to collect samples, monitor hormones and more.
- Veterinary Care – Animals are monitored throughout their pregnancies. Rhinos have one of the longest gestation periods of any animal- approximately 16 to 18 months. During this time, the health of mom and baby are monitored via regular checkups and ultrasounds. The team watched Logan grow for a few cells to the 160 pounds she weighed at birth.
- Animal Care and Training – Training sessions are held where animal care experts work with the momma rhinos to participate in regular checkups throughout pregnancy. Once the rhinos is born, months are spend backstage at Disney World bonding. The keepers are on hand to ensure the calf is nursing and growing. During this time keepers are able to focus on each animal and teach training behaviors. Once the calf is ready, rhinos are slowly introduced to their family and other animals on the savanna.
- Rhino Conservation – With each successful rhino birth, Disney ‘s Animal Care team is able to better understand and share information on the many dynamics of rhino fertility. This ultimately lead to a higher quality of care for rhinos.
Readers are encouraged to keep following along with MickeyBlog for further Walt Disney World News and updates.
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