Ayubu's Journey

Image Description: Ayubu, a young male black rhino

faces straight on.

Adult male black rhinos can reach up to 3,000 pounds, a height of five and a half feet, and a length of twelve and a half feet. Black rhinos have two horns, the front is larger and can measure up to 55 inches!

Their impressive horns are unfortunately the reason behind their current critically endangered status. All five species of rhino are illegally hunted for their horn. Their horn is made of a protein called keratin, the same protein that makes up our hair and fingernails. While rhino horn has been scientifically proven not to have any medicinal properties, it is sold on the black market as a “cure” for everything from hangovers to the flu. Today, it is primarily sold as a status symbol, particularly in Vietnam, where it is gifted to display wealth and strengthen relationships. Valued at up to $60,000 per pound, rhino horn is worth more than gold per ounce.

Due primarily to poaching, black rhino populations have decreased from over 70,000 individuals in the 1970s to an estimated 6,421 left in the wild today.

For more information on how we can help conserve rhino populations, visit our friends in conservation, the International Rhino Foundation at www.rhinos.org.

Ayubu is currently training with Animal Care Staff to become more comfortable with the crate that he will be transported in during his move. Through the SSP, Ayubu will be moving to another facility accredited by the AZA, continuing to support the healthy management of black rhinoceros in human care. More details on the destination location will come later.

“Ayubu”, the young male rhino in our care at the Lee Richardson Zoo, is getting ready for his next big milestone!

Ayubu was born on January 20th, 2021, a successful result of the breeding plan for his parents, female “Johari” and male “Jabari”, set in place by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) for Eastern Black Rhinoceros.

It is now time for Ayubu to move on in his new role within the SSP and say goodbye to Mom, just as he would in the wild.

At four days old, Ayubu weighed approximately 93 pounds. Today, at four and a half years old, he weighs in at an impressive 2,400 pounds. Black rhino calves typically stay with their mothers for two to four years. Between the ages of four and twelve, male rhinos continue to strengthen and grow and begin developing their own territories and mating opportunities.

While female black rhinos may sometimes have overlapping ranges, male rhinos are generally solitary. 15-year-old Mom, Johari, will remain with us at the Lee Richardson Zoo and the AZA’s SSP will determine if she will be matched with another male. Johari is and was an excellent mother and mate, however as solitary animals, black rhinos are quite successful and can thrive on their own.

Image Description: Ayubu, at four days old, stands in front of his mother.

Exposure to the crate is the vitally important first step for Ayubu’s training, this allows Ayubu to see, smell, and interact with the crate on his own terms. Eventually, staff will use positive reinforcement training to further his comfort with being inside the crate, encouraging the rhino to enter on his own free will.

Staff at both the Lee Richardson Zoo and Ayubu’s next facility are working together to determine the best moving date, factoring in distance, weather, and many other specialized needs that go into transporting such a large animal.
Ayubu will likely move out within the next few months. In the meantime, guests are encouraged to visit Ayubu and mom Johari, at the rhino habitat located directly south of the zoo’s entrance.

If you have questions or concerns, please call us at 620-276-1250 or email us at zoo.department@gardencityks.us. We will keep everyone updated on the progress of Ayubu’s move and any future updates on black rhinos in our care. Stay Tuned!

Image Description: A profile view of Ayubu as he walks

through his current habitat.