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Welcoming Jaali & Nia

Jaali & Nia

Meet Your New Neighbors: Arriving Fall 2021

Name: Jaali Pronouced: Jolly Name Meaning: Powerful (in Swahili) Species: Eastern Black Rhinoceros IUCN* Status: Critically Endangered DOB: 12/24/2019 Arriving From: Potter Park Zoo in Lansing,

Michigan

Estimated Arrival to The Living Desert:

October 2021

Mother: Doppsee Father: Phineus Fun Fact: “Jaali is so calm and patient.

He has a quiet demeanor about him, and he’s very curious,” said Potter Park Zoo’s Hoofstock Area Lead Zookeeper Kim Hernandez

Name: Nia Pronouced: Ny-a Name Meaning: Purpose (in Swahili) Species: Eastern Black Rhinoceros IUCN* Status: Critically Endangered DOB: 8/20/2018 Arriving From: Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

in Cleveland, Ohio

Estimated Arrival to The Living Desert:

October 2021

Mother: Inge Father: Forrest Fun Fact: Nia’s name was selected

through a community naming contest that raised $3,400 for Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.

Nia and Jaali’s move to The Living Desert is based on a specific breeding recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP). This pair has been matched through the SSP to ensure genetic diversity and sustainability of the species in human care. Listed as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature* (IUCN), Eastern black rhino populations number around 5,600 individuals across the entire African continent. Their main threat? Poaching for their horns.

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