Tamu, a 2-year-old male eastern black rhino at the Oregon Zoo, now weighs 2,040 pounds. Born on Dec. 4, 2023, he is nearing the size of his mother, Jozi, who weighs 2,600 pounds.
Conservation Efforts
Zoo staff in Portland are observing his rapid growth as he approaches the weight of an adult rhino at a young age. Virginia Grimley, a keeper in the zoo’s Africa area, noted Tamu’s impressive development.
Tamu’s father, King, is 3,100 pounds. Grimley described Tamu as engaging to observe. “He’s the only 2-year-old I know who weighs a ton,” Grimley said. “He’s growing up big and strong, just like a young rhinoceros should.” Zoo care staff anticipate significant future growth from Tamu.
The eastern subspecies of black rhinoceros, to which Tamu and his parents belong, represents a critically endangered species. The western subspecies of black rhino was declared extinct in 2011. Poaching for rhino horn continues to be the primary threat to all five rhino species.
The Oregon Zoo supports crucial on-the-ground initiatives designed to ensure their survival. Since 2013, the zoo has collaborated with the International Rhino Foundation, engaging in anti-poaching activities, intensive monitoring programs, and community outreach.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
