OKC Zoo Names Baby Indian Rhino

The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden has named a 3-week-old male Indian Rhino. Rupert was chosen as the winner in an online poll that attracted more than 8,300 votes.

In order to keep a family tradition, officials say Rupert is the Zoo’s twist on rupee, the official currency of the Republic of India. The nearly 1-month-old’s grandma was named Penny and his mom is named Nickle.

The rhino care team selected three names for the public to vote on. Russell came in second, with 28 percent of the vote, and Garjan finished third, with 21 percent. Voting was open from Friday, July 3 through Sunday, July 13.

To celebrate Rupert’s new name and his 1-month birthday on Saturday, the Zoo has festivities lined up for the weekend. The first 300 children to enter the turnstiles on Saturday, July 19 and Sunday, July 20 will receive party favors at the turnstiles.

Keeper Connections at 11:30 a.m. on both days will be hosted at Rupert and Nickle’s habitat, and will include chats about the newest Zoo family member and treats for the rhinos.