A baby rhino in Ireland has already made history before receiving a name. The male calf is only the second Indian rhinoceros ever born in the country, and visitors now have a chance to help decide what to name him.
According to Fota Wildlife Park, the calf was born on July 13 at the attraction in County Cork. His parents are two 13-year-old Indian rhinos named Maya and Jamil.
The birth is particularly significant because Indian rhinos, also known as greater one-horned rhinos, are classified as Vulnerable. Approximately 4,000 are believed to remain in the wild, where habitat loss and illegal poaching continue to threaten the species.
The park announced the healthy calf’s arrival on Aug. 11 after allowing him time to remain close to his protective mother. Photographs and video shared by Fota show him exploring the habitat and staying beside Maya.
Visitors Can Enter the Naming Contest Until Sept. 13
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The official Fota Wildlife Park Facebook post introduces the calf and invites visitors to participate in the naming contest.
Entries must be submitted at a collection point inside the park’s Serengeti Shop by Sept. 13. Fota is encouraging suggestions that reflect the rhino’s native range in northern India and southern Nepal or the cultural heritage of those areas.
One person who submits the winning name will receive an annual pass to Fota Wildlife Park. The park has not announced when it expects to reveal the calf’s chosen name.
The Calf Already Loves Rolling in the Mud
Senior Ranger Liam McConville said the calf is doing exceptionally well after a gestation period lasting more than 16 months. Maya rarely allows him to wander far and has even guided him into the shade during warm weather.
Like adult Indian rhinos, the calf already enjoys rolling in muddy areas to keep cool. He still receives most of his nutrition from nursing, but park staff have also seen him imitate his mother by nibbling on leaves and branches. Visitors can find the Indian rhinos in Fota Wildlife Park’s Asian Sanctuary.
The park is open daily beginning at 9:30 a.m., although travelers should check its website for current ticket prices and visitor information.
He Is Maya and Jamil’s Second Calf
The newborn is Maya and Jamil’s second offspring. Their first calf, Jai, was born in September 2022 and became the first Indian rhino ever born in Ireland.
Jai moved to Edinburgh Zoo in 2026 through the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria’s breeding program. The coordinated program helps participating wildlife parks maintain healthy, genetically diverse populations under human care. Fota Wildlife Park says it remains the only zoological park in Ireland where visitors can see Indian rhinos.