Following on from the first part released yesterday, we will now introduce you to a year in the life of Greater One-horned Rhinoceros "Dekopon" (female). So, without further ado, please enjoy the main story!

On October 8, 2024, we connected three areas—the small enclosure, the paddock, and the birthing room—to allow Dekopon and her mother, Gopon, to move around freely.

The small enclosure was a new place for Dekopon, so she stayed close to Gopon, but in the familiar paddock and birthing room, she ran around as usual. On the other hand, Gopon became wary whenever she saw the male, Vikram, and sometimes returned to the birthing room with Dekopon, but she seemed to get used to him after a few days.

Also, considering Dekopon's safety, the pool depth was adjusted to 10 cm, but Gopon seemed unhappy that he couldn't soak in it as usual, and was seen snorting, getting out of the pool, and taking a mud bath.


First small enclosure
After that, with the goal of releasing the animals into the small enclosure only, we conducted release practice sessions, alternating between periods of time spent only in the small enclosure and periods of time when they could freely move between the three areas. Then, on October 24th, when the release rhythm began to stabilize, we started public viewing of the animals in the small enclosure.

However, around November, Gopon began to dislike going out into the small enclosure. This was likely due to the cold weather and the fact that she was constantly surrounded by people, far more than before she gave birth. We tried various methods of feeding her, such as only giving her her favorite food in the small enclosure and feeding her more frequently, but Gopon's behavior did not change, and she continued to refuse to move to the small enclosure.

Ultimately, the system was changed back to allowing free access to the three areas: the small enclosure, the paddock, and the birthing room. After this change, Gopon began to go out into the small enclosure to forage, and Dekopon also showed signs of energy, running around with Gopon and playing by knocking over logs.

Around November, Dekopon's droppings began to resemble those of an adult rhinoceros, and it was observed that it was foraging for hay, grass, and root vegetables. Its body had also become quite robust, giving the impression of a miniature Gopon.

In addition to the hay we normally give them, we also gave them seasonal plants from the garden, such as bamboo, pampas grass, and sawtooth oak. The Dekopon ate all of them without being picky, and we were able to confirm that they were growing well.

Furthermore, as they grew, changes were observed not only in their physical appearance but also in their behavior. Indoors, they would play by poking around with mineral salt (solid salt mainly composed of salt with added minerals), and in the enclosure, their mud baths in the muddy areas became increasingly dynamic.


Dekopon cuddling with Gopon
Gopon doesn't want to go out into the small enclosure and is resting in the paddock, which is not open to the public.
In February 2025, the pool water level was raised to a depth where Dekopon could be fully submerged, and he entered the water and bathed with Gopon. However, he didn't seem to like showering in the middle of summer, as he was sometimes seen watching from nearby while Gopon was showering.

Around April, Dekopon began to interfere with Gopon's training sessions more often, trying to get between the trainer and Gopon to eat the root vegetables that were Gopon's rewards. As a result, we prepared root vegetables specifically for Dekopon, and changed the system so that a different staff member would distract Dekopon in a separate location. However, Dekopon's appetite remained strong, and if the distraction was unsuccessful, he would go to Gopon and try to steal the root vegetables.


Training session
The staff member in the foreground is giving instructions to Gopon, and the staff member in the back right is giving instructions to Dekopon.
On August 20th, we conducted Dekopon's first weight measurement. We placed a plywood board on a load meter (a scale used to measure the load capacity of trucks) and had Dekopon walk on it to measure her weight. By giving her apples and sweet potatoes while keeping her still on the board, we obtained a result of approximately 560 kg. This is the average weight for an 11-month-old female Indian Greater One-horned Rhinoceros, confirming that Dekopon is growing well.


Place a board on top of the weighing scale

Please walk on the plywood.
Dekopon has finally turned one year old. She will continue to live by her mother Gopon's side for a while longer, and will continue to nurse for another six months to a year. At our farm, we will continue to do our best to manage Dekopon's health and watch over her growth. Please come and see Dekopon growing up healthy and strong at our farm.

[Arashida, Tama Zoo]

◎Related articles
・ Aiming to breed Greater One-horned Rhinoceros: A report on the cohabitation situation of "Gopon" after his arrival at the zoo. (November 12, 2021)
・ Greater One-horned Rhinoceros "Gopon" may be pregnant – if she gives birth, it would be the first birth at Tama Zoo in 50 years, since 1973. (June 26, 2024)
・ Greater One-horned Rhinoceros has been born! This is the first birth at Tama Zoo in 50 years! (September 5, 2024)
・ How Greater One-horned Rhinoceros "Dekopon" came to be (Part 1) (July 25, 2025)
・ How Greater One-horned Rhinoceros "Dekopon" came to be (Part 2) (September 3, 2025)

(September 23, 2025)