Zoo not deterred by loss of rhino calf

INDIANAPOLIS, Jan. 15 (UPI) -- The Indianapolis Zoo will continue its endangered species breeding program despite this week's loss of an infant white rhinoceros, zoo officials say.

Gloria, a 30-year-old white rhino, delivered a stillborn female calf following what officials describe as a normal pregnancy, the Indianapolis Star reported Friday.

Zoo spokeswoman Judy Gagen said nothing seemed amiss when Gloria went into labor Tuesday morning.

But the female calf born 12 hours later never took a breath which indicates she died before birth, Gagen said.

It was Gloria's ninth pregnancy and her first since arriving at the Indianapolis Zoo in 2008.

Six of her previous pregnancies resulted in healthy calves, Gagen said.

Veterinarians who visually examined Gloria indicated she seems fine following the stillbirth.

Depending on how she feels, she could get pregnant again this year, Gagen said.

Source: United Press International (UPI).
Link: http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2010/01/15/Zoo-not-deterred-by-loss-of-rhino-calf/UPI-12621263578143/.