Go Jaali, it's your birthday!

His name is Jaali (pronounced Jolly & means “powerful” in Swahili). He is Potter Park Zoo’s first black rhino calf in its 100-year history and he turned one on December 24th. He's also a growing baby boy from 70 lbs at birth to 900 lbs for his first birthday.

There was a birthday party with balloons and cake. And of course like proud parents, the crew at Potter Park Zoo took plenty of pictures and videos. How adorable is this?

Jaali is a pretty big deal. Not only to all of us here in Mid-Michigan and the folks over at the Potter Park Zoo, but to the Black Rhino population around the world.

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Their conservation status is listed as CRITICALLY ENDANGERED. The birthday of Jaali is good news for us locally and the overall population of the species.

Thanks to persistent conservation efforts across Africa, black rhino numbers have doubled from their historic low 20 years ago to around 5,600 today. However, the black rhino is still considered critically endangered, and a lot of work remains to bring the numbers up to even a fraction of what it once was—and to ensure that it stays there. (WWF)

Jaali is a local celebrity. He's even got his own merch from our friends the Lansing Luguts.

Not only will 50% of the proceeds got to The Potter Park Zoo, but the Lugnuts plan on actually wearing these jerseys for a couple of home games during the 2021 season. Get yours now as they are in limited quantity, they will sell out, and it's all for a great cause.

50% of ALL Proceeds from the sale of each "Jaali" T-shirt will donated directly to Potter Park Zoo to assist their Animal Health Program!  Help us support our great local zoo during these unprecedented times with the purchase of this very cool T-shirt! (Lansing Lugnuts)

Find out other ways you can help celebrate Jaali's birthday including becoming a Potter Park Zoo member and joining them for the Jaali Painting Fundraiser.

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