Chicago Zoo's New Rhino Calf Finally Has a Name, and Fans Are Obsessed
Baby animal announcements tend to bring out the softest side of the internet, but rhino calves hit a little differently. Maybe it is the tiny ears, the surprisingly wobbly legs or the fact that something so massive can somehow still look impossibly cute. Either way, people have been following updates from Lincoln Park Zoo ever since the Chicago attraction announced the birth of an eastern black rhinoceros calf back in March.
Now the calf officially has a name, and fans are already falling in love with it. Lincoln Park Zoo recently revealed that the female rhino calf is Hazina, a Swahili name meaning "treasured." Visitors also got the chance to see the little rhino explore her outdoor habitat for the very first time alongside her mother, Kapuki, last month.
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Baby Rhino Hazina Finally Meets Zoo-goers
According to Lincoln Park Zoo, Hazina was born on March 19 to eastern black rhinoceros mom Kapuki. Since her birth, zoo staff says the calf has been reaching major developmental milestones, including walking, nursing, growing and bonding closely with her mother.
Longtime Lincoln Park Zoo Life Trustee and supporter Jim Neis selected the name Hazina. In the zoo's announcement, officials explained that the Swahili name translates to "treasured," reflecting the idea that the calf will become treasured by the city of Chicago as well.
Hazina made her public debut alongside her mother on April 29 during a special member preview event, with the animal care team on hand to ensure the calf adjusted to her new habitat space.
Prior to her public debut, the zoo shared photos, and the public quickly became obsessed. Hazina's tiny horn bump, expressive face and oversized ears make her look oddly puppy-like in the best possible way. There is also something especially heartwarming about seeing her standing protectively near her mom while still looking completely unsure about her own feet.
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Moments like this also highlight how important successful rhino births are for conservation efforts. Eastern black rhinoceroses remain critically endangered in the wild, which makes every healthy calf significant for the species' future. Zoos participating in conservation and breeding programs often celebrate births like these because they represent long-term hope for populations facing ongoing threats.
Lincoln Park Zoo has leaned fully into the excitement surrounding Hazina's arrival, too. The zoo announced limited-edition rhino-themed adoption packages and special ways for supporters to contribute to the rhinos' care. Honestly, it is easy to see why people are already attached to this little calf after just a few photos.
Big zoo baby reveals have been having a moment lately. Animal lovers recently celebrated the arrival of clouded leopards at Zoo Atlanta, and Dallas Zoo fans were even invited to help name rare tiger cubs. There is just something universally comforting about watching tiny animals slowly figure out the world around them.
For now, though, Hazina may have officially claimed the internet's favorite baby rhino title. Now that visitors can finally see her outside, exploring beside Kapuki, that obsession probably won't slow down anytime soon.
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This story was originally published May 7, 2026 at 8:40 PM.