“Every life is a miracle, and when it’s a rare one, it becomes a beacon of hope.” I remember, in my days as a veterinarian, how I was once called upon to help deliver a baby lamb that was having some difficulty. It was the quiet hours of dawn, and amidst the faint chirping of birds and the gentle caress of the morning breeze, we awaited the birth. There’s a certain magic in the air during such moments, an electric anticipation, and a profound sense of responsibility.
Not unlike my memory, the world recently witnessed a spectacular event: the birth of a rare one-horned rhino, caught on camera for all to see. At Chester Zoo in Cheshire, England, Asha, a beautiful 15-year-old rhino, surprised both zookeepers and visitors by giving birth in broad daylight. With a usual preference for nighttime or early morning births, this afternoon arrival was indeed a delightful anomaly.
Asha’s pregnancy had been a topic of joyous conversation and eager anticipation. For 15 long months, the zoo’s staff awaited the birth, knowing how vital it was. The greater one-horned rhinos, once a majestic sight across vast swathes of India and Nepal, are now critically endangered. Estimates suggest there are only around 3,000 of these magnificent creatures left in the wild, with the menacing shadow of illegal poaching constantly looming over them.
Sam Harley, the rhino team manager at the Chester Zoo, expressed their collective joy, “It’s been four years since a calf of this kind was born here, and witnessing it is nothing short of incredible.”
The excitement didn’t stop there. The zoo, in a bid to involve their community and spread awareness, initiated a naming contest for this little bundle of hope. With choices that resonate with her origins and potential – Thuli, a river in Nepal; Jiya, meaning sunshine; and Bahula, signifying star – the community has a tough choice. Many are leaning towards ‘Jiya’ as she symbolizes hope and is, quite literally, a ray of sunshine in the conservation efforts.
Asha’s pregnancy was meticulously tracked at Chester Zoo’s unique onsite endocrinology lab. The birth itself was swift – a mere 14 minutes from the moment Asha’s water broke. This new member of the rhino family, weighing a healthy 50kg at birth, is set to grow into a majestic creature weighing around 1.17 tonnes.
The diligent efforts at Chester Zoo are all aimed at one goal – the conservation of this magnificent species. John O’Hanlon, a laboratory technician at the zoo, sums it up beautifully, “Contributing to preventing the extinction of precious species is an emotion beyond words.”
You can share in this beautiful moment and witness the rare birth on video. But remember, while it’s a moment of joy, it’s also a stark reminder of our responsibility. We must cherish, protect, and conserve our fellow inhabitants of this planet. If you feel as deeply about it as I do, consider supporting animal welfare initiatives. And don’t forget to share Asha and her baby’s story with your friends and family, for in every shared story, there’s hope for a brighter future.
