AT JUST a day old, this Eastern Black Rhinoceros calf is still trying to find its feet.

But despite its first few faltering steps, eventually this little calf will make big strides in helping the population of Black Rhinos in the wild.

Born at Chester Zoo on Wednesday, the calf is the first Black Rhino to be born at the zoo in 10 years and the first newborn for its mother Kitani.

The arrival is made even more significant as the Eastern Black Rhino remains peri-lously close to extinct-ion in the wild, with only 700 animals left.

A co-ordinated international breeding programme within zoos has already seen some Black Rhinos returned to Africa to help boost numbers. The new calf will be part of this breeding programme.

Rhinos are generally pregnant for around 15 months

Kevin Buley, Chester Zoo’s Head of Zoo Programmes, said: “Our new arrival may be taking small steps at first but eventually it will have a bigger role to play as part of a co-ordinated breeding programme.

“We have a very happy team of keepers and veterinary people at Chester Zoo today.

“However when all is said and done, it was down to Kitani to come up with the goods, so to speak.

Kitani and her calf are currently off-show as they continue to bond, but should be on show soon.