We hope you’ll join us in saying “see you later” to our 23-year-old male Southern white rhinoceros, Frankie, who will be moving in the coming months to Potawatomi Zoo in Indiana.

Frankie’s move will allow Potawatomi Zoo to still be home to this incredible species after their own male, Masamba, moved to The Wilds in Ohio. Masamba was recommended to potentially pair up with female rhinos at this fellow Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) accredited organization.

Sounds complicated? We know! This set of moves is recommended by the AZA Species Survival Plan for Southern white rhinos. The SSP takes into account genetics, age, health, personality and other factors when making recommendations that best meet their end goal: healthy, genetically diverse populations of animals in AZA-accredited organizations. This is incredibly important work as it creates safeguard populations and establishes incredible species representatives at AZA-accredited zoos.

Our female Southern white rhinos, 25-year-old Uzuri and 24-year-old Kibibi, will remain at our Zoo. While we’ve gone through great lengths to help our trio successfully conceive, Uzuri and Kibibi have reached an age that’s no longer recommended for them to breed. We will have the privilege to continue caring for them as they continue to age.

Frankie checking out his secure carrier!

Our animal care staff has started preparing Frankie for his move by starting to get him comfortable entering his rhino-sized secure carrier. We always strive to offer our animal residents choice and control, making this special training important to ensure a smooth journey for Frankie.

Frankie’s animal care team at our Zoo describes him as a sweet rhino who loves to train.

“My favorite thing I love about Frankie is how much he loves attention from the keepers and the female rhinos,” said Senior Africa keeper Cindy Watson. “I love how he comes over to the fenceline when we are close by so we can give him scratches and sneak him some alfalfa snacks!”

Frankie is always looking for affection, said Africa Barn Supervisor Tamara Thompson Cunigan. He’s been known to lift his whole leg up for scratches from his animal care team. As soon as he gets a good morning pat from his keepers, he starts to roll over.

“When he gets really excited his tail curls up like a pig, which is adorable,” Tamara said. “He often will have his mouth open for snacks and how could you say no to his handsome face and blue eyes.”

Frankie’s new animal care team is very excited to meet him – as are the guests of Potawatomi Zoo, who may have the potential to get an even more up-close encounter with Frankie with their own Rhino Encounters!

“Frankie had been one of my favorite rhinos to work with in my career,” Tamara said. “I know his future keepers will love him as much as myself and the Africa team does.”

We know it’s always hard to say goodbye to special members of our Zoo like Frankie. We do so now with the understanding that this is the best move for his species.

“I am sad to see Frankie leave but looking forward to hear how he enjoys his new home,” Cindy said.