Fota Wildlife Park seeks public help to name newborn Indian rhino calf

Fota Wildlife Park is celebrating the arrival of a healthy male Indian rhino calf, born on July 13 to mother Maya and father Jamil. This marks the second Indian rhino born in Ireland and the second at the park itself. The park is now engaging the public in naming the new arrival, with a deadline of September 13 for submissions at the Serengeti Shop. The winner will be awarded an annual pass.

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We were all absolutely delighted when Maya gave birth on the 13th of July to a very healthy calf after the gestation period of over 16 months.

The birth is a notable achievement for conservation efforts. The Indian rhinoceros, also known as the greater one-horned rhino, is listed as vulnerable by the IUCN, with an estimated 4,000 individuals left in the wild. This calf's birth contributes to the species' breeding program.

Senior Ranger Liam McConville expressed the team's delight, highlighting the rarity of Indian rhino births in zoological organizations worldwide. "This is Maya and Jamil’s second calf, and because Indian rhino births are so rare in zoological organisations, both in Europe and around the world, it’s one we’re incredibly proud to celebrate," he stated. He also noted that Fota is the only zoological park in Ireland where this species can be seen.

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This is Maya and Jamil’s second calf, and because Indian rhino births are so rare in zoological organisations, both in Europe and around the world, it’s one we’re incredibly proud to celebrate.

Maya, 13, arrived from Rotterdam Zoo in 2020, while Jamil, also 13, came from ZSL Whipsnade Zoo in the UK in 2015. The park has recently experienced a surge in successful breeding, including Sumatran tiger cubs, a Nubian giraffe, Asian lion cubs, a François' langur monkey, European bison calves, and the first white-tailed sea eagle fledgling in a decade.

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We’re also the only zoological park in Ireland where visitors can see this remarkable species, making this birth even more special.