Denver Zoo Welcomes 2 New Rhinos, a First in Its 130-Year History
Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance has two new residents, and they’re the first southern white rhinos the zoo has ever had. The zoo announced on October 13 that Viazi and Mkuu had arrived from Florida after months of planning.
Four-year-old Viazi came from Busch Gardens, while three-year-old Mkuu had been living at ZooTampa. Both are males, and they’re now getting to know each other at their new home in Denver.
The zoo made some changes to its old Pachyderm Building to make room for the pair. The same area has housed elephants and black rhinos over the years.
Visitors won’t have to wait long to see them. The zoo has scheduled their official public debut for Friday, October 16, although they might be spotted in their outdoor habitat before then.
One Rhino’s Name Means Potatoes, and the Other Means Prince
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Viazi’s name means “potatoes” in Swahili, while Mkuu’s name means “prince.” According to the zoo, Mkuu’s former care team described him as a playful rhino who enjoys attention, enrichment activities, and a good scratch.
The two rhinos are part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan, which helps zoos manage animal populations. Maura Davis, the zoo’s curator of large mammals, explained that bringing in two males can be just as useful as having a breeding pair.
“Sometimes the best way to support a specific animal population is by housing males,” Davis said in the zoo’s announcement.
The Zoo Had to Make Room for Its New Rhinos
Denver Zoo spent months getting the old Pachyderm Building ready. Both the indoor and outdoor areas needed work before Viazi and Mkuu could move in. Animal care teams in Denver also worked with the two Florida parks to get the rhinos safely transported across the country.
The zoo said the Schoelzel Family Foundation, Kintzele Family and other donors helped pay for the renovations and transportation.
Southern white rhinos are native to parts of Africa, including South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Kenya. Their numbers dropped to fewer than 100 in South Africa during the 1800s, but conservation efforts helped the population recover. The species is currently classified as Near Threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
When Can Visitors See the New Rhinos?
Denver Zoo is planning a public welcome for Viazi and Mkuu on Friday, October 16, from 9 to 11 a.m., according to its official social media account. The zoo said the two are doing well in their new home, although they’re still getting comfortable with the habitat.
There’s also a special Rhino Mail activity planned for October 16. The RiNo Art District said the zoo will have postcards for visitors to write welcome messages to the new arrivals.
The zoo’s website lists general admission at $27 for adults and $19 for children ages 3 to 15. Visitors who aren’t members need to reserve timed-entry tickets online before arriving.
