N.C. Zoo white rhino calf gets name with assist from public and dad
It's official! The first of two female southern white rhinos born at the North Carolina Zoo in July now has a name thanks to a public poll and a little help from Dad.
Nandi, pronounced (Nahn-dee) is the pick. Nandi is the first rhino born at the zoo in 41 years. A second yet-to-be-named female rhino was born at the zoo less than two weeks later on July 13.
The zoo launched the public poll last week, seeking input on seven names proposed by the zoo's rhino zookeepers. Each reflected the theme of strong, female leaders in history - both factual and mythical. The other two top choices in the public poll were Mamba and Diana. Boadicea, Grace O’Malley, Penelope and Wilhelmina rounded out the options.
"As one last fatherly task, dad Stormy (male rhinos typically play no role in raising offspring) was given the three choices in African inspired custom-made poles spaced several feet apart from each other that were stuffed with Timothy hay – one of his favorite treats," according to a zoo press release. "He immediately trotted over to the pole that was named 'Nandi.'"
Nandi, which means "a woman of high esteem," was the Queen of the Zulus and was born in the 1760s. She died in 1827 in the area now known as South Africa. Nandi was the mother of Shaka, King of the Zulus, according to the zoo press release. Shaka is considered by some as one of the greatest Zulu chiefs and African military leaders. There are accounts that his establishment of all-female regiments was influenced by his warrior-mother, the release says.
The zoo now has nine rhinos, including Stormy and females Linda, who is Nandi's mom, Kit, who gave birth to the zoo's second rhino calf, Natalie and Abby, and the two calves. All seven are on public view at the zoo's Watani Grasslands 40-acre habitat. Two older rhinos, Stan and Olivia, live in an off-viewing retirement habitat, according to the press release.
The zoo in Asheboro is about 90 minutes from the Triangle.
