Zoo Knoxville is set to introduce a new attraction featuring two Southern White Rhinos, Mylo and Ranger, who will be ready to meet the public over Memorial Day weekend, starting next Friday. In an announcement made Thursday, Zoo Knoxville's President and CEO Bill Street shared the organization’s enthusiasm for the event. "We’re so excited to welcome Mylo and Ranger and continue Zoo Knoxville’s legacy with Southern White Rhinos," Street told WVLT. The new habitat, named Rhino Reserve, is part of a concerted effort to engage the community in wildlife conservation and to share the story of these "incredible animal ambassadors," as Street put it in a statement obtained by WBIR.
The half-brother rhinos come to Knoxville through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan. This collaborative program is designed to maintain genetically healthy and sustainable populations within accredited zoos. Zoo Knoxville takes certain pride in it's long history of caring for white rhinos, emphasizing the importance of their role in animal preservation efforts. Visitors will not only get a chance to view Mylo and Ranger up close but will also discover educational material about rhino conservation and the challenges they face in the wild, such as poaching, according to information from WBIR.
Rhino Reserve provides more than a safe haven for these animals; it serves as a vital educational resource. Zoo Knoxville is determined to foster a deeper connection between its guests and the wider world of wildlife conservation. This initiative aligns with the zoo's overall mission to conserve and protect these magnificent creatures. The opening of this exhibit marks a significant milestone in the zoo’s continued commitment to this cause.
Southern White Rhinos are considered the largest of all rhino species. The zoo's recent additions, Mylo and Ranger, contribute to the broader conversation about the conservation status of this near-threatened species. With around 18,000 individuals still living in the wild. The new habitat, with it's educational focus, could play a crucial role in creating public awareness about the plight of these rhinos, as hinted in information from WIVK.
