Erfurt (dpa/th) - Two new residents are moving into the rhino house in the Thuringian Zoo in Erfurt. The two rhino cows Stella and Lottie arrived on Friday morning. According to an initial health check by the zoo veterinarians, both rhinos are doing well, as the Zoopark Erfurt announced on Friday. So that Stella and Lottie can settle into their new home and get to know each other, the rhino house will remain closed for the time being.
Both rhinos were born in England, Lottie at Colchester Zoo in early 2020, Stella at the Cotswold Wildlife Park between London and Birmingham in September 2019. Animal keeper Saskia Fiebig was in England together with veterinarian Tina Risch to get an impression of the rhinos: "Lottie is cuddly and eager to help with training. Stella is a bit stronger built, a bit more spirited and very curious."
Visitors may be able to observe both of them in the new outdoor area as early as next week. The Zoopark already has plans for them in the medium term: "These two rhinos have great genes. When they are sexually mature, we will work closely with the European stud book coordinator for white rhinos to bring a suitable breeding bull to Erfurt," said curator Heike Maisch.
