GODDARD, Kan. (KAKE) - Tanganyika Wildlife Park is somewhere Wichita resident Ishmael Wangati has been planning on taking his little kids for a long time.

"Anything animals, my kids will love that," said Wangati.

But after seeing this video, a trip to the zoo jumped to the top of the list.

"That's pretty cool to kind of show that. I've never seen a baby rhino get born, so I think that's pretty cool," said Wangati.

Meet the newest member of the Tanganyika family – an Indian Rhino calf.

"It's been a long time coming. Almost two years we've been waiting. And so, MarJon is the baby's name, was born on Friday night," said Tanganyika Director Matt Fouts.

Aside from being downright cute, Fouts says it comes with major historical significance.

"On so many levels. So what's really cool about Monica, she's the first rhino to be born from artificial insemination. And then, of course, this is the first natural birth from a rhino that was, you know, born from artificial insemination," said Fouts.

On top of that, Fouts says not only is the Indian Rhino an endangered species, but MarJon is the first Indian Rhino ever born in Kansas.

"Oh man, it's just so exciting. And like I said... We've had Indian Rhinos almost since we opened in 2008. And so to finally have that success with a pair of them to have that baby is, I mean, it's just, it's monumental for us. And it just makes my heart so happy," said Fouts.

Wangati says he's already making plans to take his family to see little MarJon. The only one not quite convinced yet is his 3-year-old daughter.

"Did you see the rhino? What did you think about it?"
"I don't want rhinos," she said.

But Wangati says he knows one look in person will change her mind.

Tanganyika opens back up for its spring hours starting March 11. For more information on how to buy tickets or season passes to see little MarJon, click here.

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GODDARD, Kan. (KAKE) - Tanganyika Wildlife Park welcomed an endangered Indian Rhino Calf Thursday night.

Officials at Tanganyika say that little MarJon is the first rhino to be born through artificial insemination and weighs 80 to 90 pounds. MarJon's mother Monica had carried the calf for just over 15 months before giving birth. Monica is a first-time mom and handlers say she is doing great, with the little calf up and nursing within hours of birth.

"This is an incredible moment for the entire Tanganyika Family," says Jim Fouts, owner of Tanganyika Wildlife Park. "This is why we do what we do, preserving species that are on the brink of extinction. We are so proud of Monica and her calf and are excited to share this special moment with the community."

The calf's name comes from a combination of the names of two long-time supporters of the park, Mary and Jon Sendall.