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Tiny Rhino happily plays with zookeeper
Sounds like he's running in flip flops.
Kenny Fernandez
08.22.21

One-horned Wonder

As humans, we share a common understanding that we have a unique responsibility to preserve our world and its ecosystem. The rich, vast planet we inhabit is filled with so much life that it is really up to us to take care of these wonderful species. One such unique species we humans find fascinating are rhinoceros. In the following video, we look at an astonishingly playful baby rhino interact with a zookeeper named Thomas.

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Youtube-givskudzootv

Her name is Savannah and she sure an immense amount of energy. From the moment the video starts, we can see her trotting gleefully towards the human zookeeper with friendly intent. She is but a young calf that just started her journey and is looking to make new friends along the way. Making her way towards the Thomas, she approaches by putting her head on his hands to show she is ready to play.

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Youtube-givskudzootv

Savannah then backs up and prepares to start her part in this interaction. She skips along the pavement to and fro the ends of the barred cages in an innocent display of curiosity and her spunky attitude. It’s so adorable that the camera girl can’t seem to hold her giggle from how delighted she is to be a part of Savannah’s frolicking.

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Source:
Youtube-givskudzootv

Mama Knows Best

As the baby rhino continues her rambunctious circuit, we can see her mama in the back keeping a keen eye on her. Protective as always, mothers typically tend to accompany their rhino calves from 2 to 4 years of age. Judging by her docile behavior, mama seems to be in approval of her baby’s new playmates.

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Youtube-givskudzootv

After bubbly skipping some more, Savannah comes back to the zookeeper as if to let him know that she needs all the attention she deserves. At this point, she reports back to her mama to affirm her that she is fine and dandy in her new environment.

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Source:
Youtube-givskudzootv

A rhino pregnancy can last anywhere between 15 to 16 months. In addition, a newborn rhino typically starts nursing from its mom in the first five hours of being born and will need to start grazing at around two months of age. If you think Savannah can sprint now, wait until she develops and matures into her adult form. It is said that rhinos can run up to 40-60 kph or 25-31mph! That is some considerable speed considering rhinos can weigh anywhere between 1750-3000 lbs.

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Youtube-givskudzootv

Savannah See, Savannah Do

One of the reasons we Savannah taking minor pauses and acquainting herself with her surroundings is because rhinos have acute hearing and smell, but very poor eyesight. You can see an example of this as Savannah gently bumps into walls as she sometimes takes her time to adjust.

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Youtube-givskudzootv

In her final display of innocent affection, Savannah meets the zookeeper one last time and joyously leaps in the air to show her level of excitement. She delightfully comes back for one more nose-to-hand farewell as if to let him know that she now fully trusts him as her caretaker.

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Source:
Youtube-givskudzootv

Finally, Savannah reports back to her mommy with the comfort in knowing she now has new friends to play with if ever she becomes too bored. With her energy though, I’m sure she’ll find a way to keep herself entertained. Hopefully, this video will inspire others to have a heart for rhinos and to protect wildlife from the perils of poachers and environmental endangerment.

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