Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - The Buffalo Zoo has a new resident, a four-year-old male Eastern black rhino named Romeo.
Romeo comes to Buffalo as part of a transfer with Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago. In return, Lulu, a five-year-old Eastern black rhino will go to Chicago as part of a Species Survival Plan between the two Zoos.
"The Buffalo Zoo is proud to be a part of this major rhino undertaking," said Lisa Smith, Buffalo Zoo President and CEO. “It is incredibly important that we continue to work together to save this critically endangered species."
Black rhinos are one of the most endangered animals on the planet. According to The International Union for Conservation of Nature, only 5,500 Eastern black rhinos remain in the wild.
Romeo will spend the next few years maturing before he is ready to breed.