CHICAGO (WGN) — Lincoln Park Zoo is marking World Rhino Day with big news: Kapuki, a 20-year-old female eastern black rhinoceros, is pregnant.

The calf, expected in early spring 2026, will be her third at Lincoln Park Zoo and first with 21-year-old male Utenzi.

Zoo officials say the pregnancy was confirmed via hormone analysis using noninvasive collection of fecal samples. Eastern black rhinoceroses have a 16-month gestation period and typically give birth to a single calf at a time.

“Every birth matters to this critically endangered species, and we’re proud to play a role in growing the eastern black rhinoceroses’ population,” said Curator Cassy Kutilek. “Kapuki is an experienced mother successfully raising King and Romeo and we’re looking forward to seeing her in this maternal role ag

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