First rhino born in Guwahati zoo in a decade, name game on

GUWAHATI: Gaonburha & Pori became proud parents on Nov 7, and Guwahati zoo got its first baby rhino in a decade. For those who can’t get enough of the ball of wrinkled grey joy toddling around on stumpy legs, there’s now a call to help select a name for the playful calf.

The name game, on Assam CM Himanta Sarma’s call, has sparked excitement and a variety of suggestions online — including Ratan, after industrialist-philanthropist Ratan Tata. Others making the rounds include Durga, Prachand, Priya, Bella, Goldie, a hip-hoppy “R-Zoo”, and one that has a streak of black humour running through it: “Nibonuwa” (meaning unemployed in Assamese). Officials said the name will be drawn through a lottery.

Born to Gaonburha (meaning “village head”) and Pori (fairy), the calf represents a major milestone for the zoo’s conservation and breeding efforts. It is the third rhino born at the zoo’s breeding centre. Gaonburha, a slow-moving male, was rescued and brought to Guwahati from the Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation at Kaziranga National Park in 2017. Thrilled by the new addition, zoo authorities underscored the challenges in breeding rhinos, including the unavailability of “breedable” pairs at the same time.

“Before planning the birth of a rhino, bloodline of the parents has to be checked as mating within families is not possible,” said DFO Ashwini Kumar. “Also, the potential breeder rhinos might not be ready for mating at the same time. Keeping them together for a long time can be dangerous as it increases the risk of fights that can turn fatal. All these reasons have delayed the birth.” The zoo’s breeding centre first saw the birth of Pori in 2002, followed by Sanatan in 2013. The current birth, they hope, will continue to boost conservation efforts for the vulnerable species.

Zoo veterinarian Dr Panchami Sharma described the care given to breeding pairs, ensuring they are provided a natural environment, complete with water bodies, grasslands, herbs, shrubs, and artificial showers. “The pairs are kept away from zoo visitors,” Sharma added.