Inauguration of the Rhino Savanna at the Living Desert
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You can now check out the two new rhinos and various different species at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert.
Friday marked the unveiling of the long-awaited expansion, Rhino Savanna.
The four-acre habitat is the new home of Nia (pronounced Ny-a) and Jaali (pronounced Jolly), the two African black rhinos.
MORE: How do you get two rhinos across the country? The Living Desert shares 10-state trek details
The new habitat will also be home to 12 African species, including a cob, a springbok, two species of pelicans and a variety of other birds, as well as fascinating underground animals such as the naked mole rat, among others.
The project finally came to fruition after years of hard work with around $ 17 million raised.
“We have been working for two or three years to do the design work, the construction and today we are able to welcome the public here and see these amazing animals in our rhino savannah and meet Jaali and Nia and to learn more about their conservation stories we’re here to tell, â€said Allen Monroe, President and CEO of Living Desert.
Black rhinos are listed as Critically Endangered. Zoo officials hope to help increase the species’ population right here at home.
The Living Desert is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Click here to buy tickets. All general admission tickets must be purchased in advance.
LIVE CAMERA: Rhino Savanna
MEET JAALI AND NIA:
Jaali was born on December 24, 2019 to his mother, Doppsee, and father, Phineus, and his birth marked the first rhino birth at Potter Park Zoo in its 100-year history. Jaali means ‘mighty’ in Swahili, and according to his animal care team at Potter Park Zoo, he is very curious and loves attention. Jaali is from Potter Park Zoo in Lansing, Michigan.
Nia, which means “goal” in Swahili, was born on August 20, 2018 to her mother, Inge, and father, Forrest. Her animal care team shared that Nia is very intelligent and eager to learn and participate in her breeding training. Nia will be arriving from the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo in Cleveland, Ohio.
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