Meet the BioPark's white rhinoceroses--Bertha, Lulu, Bernie and Chopper!
When to See Chopper
- Daily, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Chopper usually ventures into the front yards each day from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. The schedule may vary due to weather, staffing levels and the needs of the herd. (If it is cold or rainy, Chopper will probably not venture out of his warm barn!)
You can also call 311 (505-768-2000) or ask a Zoo cashier upon arrival for the day's schedule.
White Rhinos
Three adult white rhinoceroses (Ceratotherium simum simum) and a new calf live at the ABQ BioPark Zoo. Meet Bertha, Lulu, Bernie and Chopper in Africa.
Rhinos almost went extinct in the 1900s due to hunting. Zoos developed a Species Survival Program (SSP) to promote captive breeding. Conservation efforts, including SSPs, have increased the world 's white rhino population to more than 20,000 individuals. Unfortunately, poaching for horns continues to threaten the species.
Chopper the Rhino Calf
Albuquerque is the home of a male rhino calf!
Where was Chopper born? Chopper was born at Florida's White Oak Conservation Center on October 30, 2012 and weighed 132 pounds.
When did he come to the ABQ BioPark? Animal care staff flew Chopper from Florida to Albuquerque on November 14, 2012. At just two-weeks old and 169 pounds, Chopper moved into a behind-the-scenes area at the Zoo. In February 2013, Chopper moved into the rhino exhibit.
Where is Chopper's mother? Born on an unusually cold night, Chopper struggled and was slow to start nursing. He did not establish a strong bond with his mother. White Oak staff saw he wasn't thriving and decided to hand rear him.
How did he end up at the ABQ BioPark? Bully, a male rhino on loan from the BioPark to White Oak Conservation Center, is Chopper's father. As part of the loan agreement, the calf belongs to the BioPark.
What does he eat? Chopper is hand-fed a bottle of skim and 1% cow's milk, provided by Creamland Dairy, with extra dextrose and vitamins. This formula mimics the very sweet, low-fat milk of rhino mothers. As he gets older, Chopper will start to eat solid foods like hay.
Chopper Updates
April 12, 2013 - Chopper's schedule has just been extended! He will now be in the yard from about 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. daily. He's learning to be a rhino from adult Bertha.
February 8, 2013 - Chopper will make his public debut on Feb. 16. Here's a video about his move to the Rhino Barn.
February 1, 2013 - Exciting news! Chopper goes out on exhibit later this month. More details to come.
February 1, 2013 - Ann won the Creamland Challenge on Facebook by guessing Chopper's weight--509 pounds.
January 30, 2013 - Chopper is 3 months old and more rambunctious than ever. His neck gets bigger as his horn bud grows.
January 20, 2013 - Michelle won the Creamland Challenge on Facebook by guessing Chopper's weight--444 pounds.
January 8, 2013 - Keepers say Chopper is like any toddler--he likes to eat and play, but gets grumpy before nap time.
January 6, 2013 - Mike won the Creamland Challenge on Facebook by guessing Chopper's weight--385 pounds.
December 21, 2012 - Jennifer won the Creamland Challenge on Facebook by guessing Chopper's weight--333 pounds.
December 17, 2012 - Zookeeper Chaz teaches Chopper it's safe to play with toys, but not people (especially not their knees).
December 8, 2012 - Felicia won the first Creamland Challenge on Facebook by guessing Chopper's weight--254 pounds.
December 4, 2012 - Watch a video of Chopper playing in his behind-the-scenes yard.
November 26, 2012 - Facebook fans voted and named the rhino calf 'Chopper' in honor of Jimmy Abalos.
November 20, 2013 - Word of the baby rhino's cuteness spread in a Good Morning America video!
November 14, 2012 - Chopper moved to the ABQ BioPark at just two weeks old and 169 pounds.
October 30, 2012 - Chopper was born at 132 pounds at Florida's White Oak Conservation Center.
