Added on November 23, 2024 (Updated on December 5: Publication time updated)

We have been taking the following measures, but with the arrival of serious cold weather and the fact that the parent and child fish seem to be concerned about the spectators and want to return to the paddock after a while of being released into the wild, we have decided to address this issue.

Therefore, from December 5th, the animals will be open to the public from 10:00 to 15:00 with free movement between the indoor enclosure and the outdoor enclosure. However, they cannot be viewed when they are indoors or in the paddock between the indoor enclosure and the outdoor enclosure. Also, they will only be indoors outside of 10:00 to 15:00 and will not be viewable at those times. We appreciate your continued understanding and cooperation.

Added on November 9, 2024: Please note

　Greater One-horned Rhinoceros mother and calf are not visible for most of the time.

Gopon and his calf, Greater One-horned Rhinoceros, who were put on public display on October 24th, have been reluctant to go out into their enclosure since the weather turned colder. While we believe it would be best for the mother and calf to be in the large outdoor enclosure even in winter, we are taking steps to encourage them to go out into the enclosure voluntarily, from the perspective of prioritizing animal welfare.

Therefore, we devise breeding methods that are appropriate to the situation, such as not releasing them outdoors or allowing them to freely move between indoor and outdoor enclosures.

Currently, viewing is unavailable for most of the time. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

Added on October 23, 2024: Regarding the disclosure of children

Greater One-horned Rhinoceros calf has successfully adapted to its outdoor enclosure, and will be open to the public for scheduled viewing times starting Thursday, October 24, 2024.

　Opening hours: 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
　Public viewing area: Small enclosure (on the left)

*After the public opening time, the door between the public and private areas will be opened, allowing free entry and exit.Taken in at 2:30 PM)

*Depending on the circumstances of the parents and children, the event may be canceled or the schedule may be changed without prior notice.
*Please watch quietly so as not to startle the parents and children, and refrain from taking photos in the same spot for extended periods. We ask for your consideration in sharing the viewing area.
*Depending on the crowd situation, a rotation system with set viewing times may be implemented. Please follow the instructions of the security guards.

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We are pleased to announce that Greater One-horned Rhinoceros has been born at Tama Zoo. This marks the first successful breeding of a rhinoceros at our park in 50 years, since Saitaro was born in December 1973.

Born Greater One-horned Rhinoceros

Date of birth: September 3, 2024 (Tuesday) 13:20
Sex　　　unknown, female
Parents: Mother: Gopon (24 years old)
Born December 22, 1999 at the San Diego Zoo.
March 19, 2003: Arrived at Kanazawa Zoo
Visited Tama Zoo on December 9, 2020.

Father: Vikram (estimated age 23)
Rescued in Nepal in March 2001
Arrived at Tama Zoo on March 28, 2002.

*Gopon has given birth at Kanazawa Zoo in 2007, 2009, and 2014.


A parent and child snuggling together (1:53 PM)
(Date of photo: September 3, 2024)

background

On May 9, 2023, mating with the male "Vikram" was confirmed, and preparations have been underway to create a suitable environment for the birth.

On the morning of September 3rd, Gopon did not respond to her usual morning training and remained in a resting state. Furthermore, milk secretion was observed, leading us to conclude that she was close to giving birth, and we suspended her exhibit. She was kept in the birthing room, and at approximately 11:40 AM, her water broke. We then switched from direct observation to monitoring via a screen, and she gave birth at 1:20 PM.

Just before giving birth, Gopon moved around as if searching for a place to give birth, then sat down with the amniotic sac slightly protruding, pushed, stood up, and gave birth. It was a smooth delivery, completed in approximately 40 seconds from the time the amniotic sac began to protrude. Immediately after giving birth, she seemed a little tired and sat down some distance away from her baby, but around 1:30 PM she stood up and was seen checking on her baby and staying close to her.

The child made an effort to stand up for a while, then stood up at around 1:42 PM and was seen approaching its mother. Breastfeeding was confirmed at 3:40 PM.


This photo was taken animal keeper on September 4, 2024 (added September 6).

Current situation

As of September 5th, both mother and child are healthy, stable, and there are no major problems.

Immediately after the birth, animal keeper used surveillance cameras and monitored the mother and calf to ensure they could settle down. Once they confirmed that the calf was calm, they began observing them directly and feeding them.

Please note that for the time being, the parent and child will be kept indoors and will not be on display.

Current status of animal care at our zoo (as of September 5, 2024)

3 individuals (1 male, 1 female, 1 of unknown sex) *This includes the offspring born this time.

Breeding situation in Japan (as of December 31, 2023)

Current breeding situation in Japan: 4 zoos, 7 animals (4 males, 3 females)
Source: 2023 Greater One-horned Rhinoceros National Pedigree Registry [Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums]


The birth (Photo taken on September 3, 2024)
◎Related articles
・ 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, 2023)

(September 5, 2024)
(September 6, 2024: One photo added)
(October 7, 2024: Added information about children's free-range training)
(October 10, 2024: Added information regarding the call for baby names)
(October 23, 2024: Added information regarding the public disclosure of children)
(November 9, 2024: Added information about Greater One-horned Rhinoceros mother and calf)
(November 23, 2024: Added information about free access between indoor and outdoor enclosures)
(December 5, 2024: Release time changed from 14:30 to 15:00)