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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.