The Cincinnati Zoo's new baby black rhino boy has officially been named. Say "hello" to Ajani Joe, a thoughtful name that combines zoo supporter Martha Wolf's dad's name and an African word that means "he who wins the struggle."
Ajani Joe was born on Aug. 21 and the zoo threw a virtual baby shower and asked friends of the zoo to purchase a "baby shower gift" to help provide funding for the rhino and his family's care.
Each gift purchase came with the chance to name the new baby, meet the rest of the rhinos and receive a one-of-a-kind Rhino Rembrandt painting.
Martha Wolf won the opportunity and offered a name that held a special meaning to her and provided positive future affirmations for the little rhino.
“My father’s name is Joe and I wanted to honor him but also to choose a name that was of African origin, since that’s the black rhino’s native land,” said Wolf in a press release. “Ajani means ‘he who wins the struggle.' My dad has been a rock recently as my mom’s primary caretaker, and I hope the little rhino will be strong like him!”
According to the press release, Ajani Joe is "spunky and curious" and has spent plenty of time exploring his new space and offering occasional appearances to zoo visitors.
“This little guy is an important ambassador for his species. Eastern black rhinos are critically endangered, and he is the first of his kind born this year in North America. Only eight others, including his brother, were born in the three years prior," the press release says.
Stop by for a visit and you just might catch a glimpse of the zoo's cute new addition.
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, 3400 Vine St., Avondale, cincinnatizoo.org.
