Cincinnati Zookeeper to share his Sumatran rhino adventures at Main Library | Arts & Culture

CINCINNATI, OH (FOX19) - The Cincinnati Zoo has become well-known the world over for its rhino conservation program, especially the Sumatran rhinos.

So the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County is pleased to welcome Zookeeper Paul Reinhart to the Main Library Saturday, Jan. 26, at 2 p.m. in the Reading Garden Lounge. He’ll talk about the adventures and research that led up to the zoo achieving this recognition.

The Sumatran rhinoceros is one of the most endangered animals on earth, with fewer than 200 rhinos distributed throughout the fragmented rainforests of Southeast Asia. Thanks to scientific breakthroughs, however, the first Sumatran rhino calf bred and born in captivity in 112 years, Andalas, was born at the Cincinnati Zoo Sept. 13, 2001.

In 2007, Andalas was relocated to the Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary on the island of Sumatra, and in June 2012, Andalas’s mate, Ratu, gave birth to a healthy male calf, Andatu. In order to keep Ratu calm, only Dr. Dedi Candra, SRS veterinarian, Dr. Benn Bryant, veterinarian at Taronga Conservation Society Australia, and Cincinnati Zookeeper Paul Reinhart were allowed in the birthing area.

A Zoo Academy graduate, Paul Reinhart began his career at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden 30 years ago. He oversees the care of a variety of hoof stock, including three species of rhinos, okapi, zebra, bongo, takin and camel. He also cares for the red pandas, and works with cheetahs, tufted deer, and cranes that are housed at the zoo’s off-site breeding facility. Watch a video here.

Besides talking about his experiences with Sumatran rhinos, Reinhart will talk about some of the research aspects of the Indian rhino and the history of the black rhino program. There also will be a video presentation and a question-and-answer session.

The Main Library is located at 800 Vine Street. Call 513-369-6900 or visit www.CincinnatiLibrary.org.