A young Eastern black rhino arrives at Buffalo Zoo from Chicago

One of the most endangered mammals on the planet, the Eastern black rhinos have been deemed critically endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species. There are approximately 5,500 wild black rhinos.

To follow the species survival plan for Eastern black rhinos, Romeo was transferred to Buffalo from Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago on Oct. 3, and Lulu, a 5-year-old female Eastern black rhino was transferred from the Buffalo Zoo to the Chicago zoo, where she is expected to breed.

“The Buffalo Zoo is proud to be a part of this major rhino undertaking,” said Lisa Smith, the president and CEO of the Buffalo Zoo. “It is incredibly important that we continue to work together to save this critically endangered species.”

Smith said that moving these rhinos to their new homes will help both zoos conserve the species. There are 53 Eastern black rhinos living in the 26 zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Thus, placing every female animal in a breeding situation is important to continue the conservation work, she said. 

“Lincoln Park Zoo is honored to provide a new home for Lulu,” said Cassy Kutilek, the Lincoln Park Zoo curator of carnivores and large mammals. “Lulu’s arrival helps support this critically endangered population through the Eastern Black Rhinoceros Species Survival Plan. Romeo is an incredibly special rhino who is strong, calm, and observant, and we’re glad Buffalo Zoo is providing a new space for him to enter into adulthood.”

Lulu will be paired up with one of the 19-year-old male rhinos at the Chicago zoo and her future calves will contribute to the growing numbers. Meanwhile, Romeo will spend the next few years maturing in Buffalo enclosures before he is ready to breed.

“He is actually a very sweet rhino. He’s been working well with our…