In a move that's far from just horn-tipping, the Oklahoma City Zoo has bolstered its conservation efforts with a new heavyweight: a 5-year-old Indian rhinoceros named Mohan. Shipped over from the East, specifically the Buffalo Zoo, Mohan is the zoo's latest attempt to beef up its breeding program. This charming Indian subcontinental transplant is wrapped in a layer of quarantine security at the Zoo’s rhino facility before he mingles with the ladies, but visitors should soon get a glimpse of this fascinating creature. According to a news release by the Oklahoma City Zoo, which KFOR reports, Mohan is going to play a key part in the Zoo's species survival efforts.
Let's not beat around the bush: rhinos aren't just tough-skinned; they're tough to breed too, which makes Mohan's arrival, under the guidance of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Species Survival Plan, a significant stride forward. “We are excited to welcome Mohan and to re-establish our rhino breeding program,” said Kristofer Flickinger, Oklahoma City Zoo Assistant Curator of Elephants and Rhinos, in a statement obtained by KOCO. Niki, a perceptive 17-year-old rhino damsel, is earmarked as Mohan’s first date.
Blood ties are a thing in the animal kingdom, too, and Mohan won't be without family in OKC. His grandmother, the venerable 37-year-old Shanti, is already a resident there, adding a touch of lineage stories typical for a royal household. In light of the fact that Indian rhinos were teetering on the brink of extinction in the early 20th century with the wild population plummeting to fewer than 100 individuals, Mohan’s arrival isn't just a merry addition but a significant boost to the gene pool.
Mohan's name, drawn from an ancient language, embodies his expected charisma. "Mohan is Shanti's grandson," KOCO remarks, meaning "fascinating," "charming," and "enchanting" in Sanskrit. And it seems he's already living up to his moniker. “We’ll be getting to know Mohan better as he’s integrated with our herd, but we know he’s extremely playful,” Flickinger said. “So we think he’ll be a favorite for our guests.” Visitors to the Oklahoma City Zoo should keep their eyes peeled for this enchanting addition to the rhino family, as he's expected to become quite the spectacle.
