Photo: Zoo Wrocław | AP
January 6 was a day of celebration at Poland's Wroclaw Zoo in Warsaw, with the birth of a baby Indian rhinoceros. Born to Maruska, a seven-year-old female, and 11-year-old male Manas, the still-unnamed female baby represents hope for the once nearly extinct species. Maruska, a first-time mom, behaves wonderfully, said zoo president Radoslaw Ratajszczak. She looks after her daughter, allows her to nurse and is very delicate, despite weighing more than 2 tons. For example, when she lies down, she's very careful not to crush the little one, and even gently moves her aside. The Indian rhinoceros was once considered nearly extinct. Due to protection efforts that began in the 1970s, the world population of the species has reached about 3,600, including more than 170 living in zoos.
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