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Toronto Zoo names three-month-old Indian rhino calf Nandu after public vote

The Toronto Zoo has chosen a name for its Indian rhino calf. Toronto Zoo/Handout

TORONTO — The Toronto Zoo says the public has voted and chosen the name Nandu for the zoo’s Indian rhino calf.

Nandu — pronounced None-do — means “one who is cheerful and happy.”

Three of the zoo’s keepers each chose a potential name for the male calf, but couldn’t agree on one so the names were put to a public vote which drew more than 11,500 responses.

READ MORE: Toronto Zoo asking public for help choosing name for 2-month-old Indian rhino calf

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Nandu was born on Feb. 17, and the zoo says he currently weighs more than 227 kilograms and is gaining about two kilograms a day.

It has now been introduced to the outdoors, has started to slowly eat some solid foods and its teeth are starting to grow in.

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The zoo says the calf is important for Indian rhinoceros conservation as the species is listed as vulnerable and there are only approximately 2,000 left in the wild.

WATCH: Naming the baby rhino at the Toronto Zoo

Click to play video: 'Naming the baby rhino at the Toronto Zoo'
Naming the baby rhino at the Toronto Zoo

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