Baby Rhino Tamu Hits Massive One Ton Milestone At Oregon Zoo

Portland, Oregon – Tamu, a 2-year-old eastern black rhinoceros at the Oregon Zoo, has reached a massive milestone by weighing 2,040 pounds. Born on Dec. 4, 2023, the young rhino is nearly as large as his 2,600-pound mother, Jozi. “He’s the only 2-year-old I know who weighs a ton,” said Virginia Grimley, a keeper in the zoo’s Africa area. “He’s growing up big and strong, just like a young rhinoceros should.” Care staff said Tamu is still expected to grow, with another year or two before he catches up to his 3,100-pound father, King. “Tamu is a lot of fun to watch,” Grimley said. “He might be almost as big as his parents, but he still runs around and plays like the young rhino he is.” Tamu can usually be seen with Jozi for now, but he is nearing the age and size where wild male rhinos naturally move away from their mothers. Eventually, he may need the opportunity to mingle with other young rhinos. “These animals represent a species that’s among the most imperiled on the planet,” Grimley said. “Hopefully, Tamu can eventually have calves of his own and help grow the population.” Tamu and his parents belong to the eastern subspecies of black rhinoceros. The western subspecies of black rhino was declared extinct in 2011.