ABQ Times

In support of a recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the ABQ BioPark is saying goodbye to one of its favorite animals, Chopper, the white rhino. While Chopper moves to his newly-constructed two-acre home, 38-year-old female Bertha will welcome a new companion to Albuquerque. Mashile, 37, is a female who needs to be relocated from her current facility due to necessary renovations. As two senior ladies, they are expected to form an ideal pair.

In honor of Chopper’s upcoming move, some of his keepers shared their fondest memories of the charismatic bull. When Chopper first arrived at the ABQ BioPark, it was because his dam, Lucy, wasn’t letting him nurse. He needed to be bottle-fed by hand, and it was Chaz, a keeper in Hoofstock, who bonded most closely with Chopper.

Lisa from Chopper's animal care team shared her memories of the opinionated young rhino: “My memories of Chopper are more of a slide show: when I think of him as a newborn, I just think of how big his feet were!” said Lisa. “Chopper was so full of zoomies; we had to make sure he didn’t hurt us because he didn’t know his own strength! I think of all the bottle feedings we did. And boy, was he so vocal when he was hungry and he saw his bottles! And then I think of him now: he loves people. I feel that Chopper and I have a really strong relationship. He looks to me for attention and scratches. He calms down when he sees me there.”

As for the rest of the staff at the BioPark, Lisa summed up their feelings: “I will miss him greatly, but I also know that this move is a good thing for him. He will have a large grassy field to explore and a whole slew of people to win over.”

To catch a glimpse of Chopper before he embarks on his new adventure, visitors can swing by the rhino habitat at the BioPark Zoo this weekend.