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North Carolina Zoo names first of its two newborn baby rhinos

FILE - In this image released by the North Carolina Zoo, an unnamed southern white rhino is seen after birth July 2, 2018, at the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro, N.C. The zoo says the new rhino’s dad picked out the name "Nandi" from three put on poles stuffed with Timothy hay. he zoo let people vote on seven names of strong women, either real or fictional, to narrow the choice to three finalists _ Nandi, Mamba and Diana.(Diane Villa/North Carolina Zoo via AP)

ASHEBORO, N.C. — The N.C. Zoo’s Baby Rhino No. 1 has a name: Nandi.

Born July 2 to mom Linda and dad Stormy, Nandi was the first southern white rhino born at the Asheboro zoo in 41 years. The zoo let people vote on one of three names: Nandi, Mamba and Diana, each reflecting the theme of strong female leaders in history (actual and mythical).

Stormy took it from there. Zookeepers put the names on three African-inspired poles stuffed with his favorite treat – hay – then waited to see which one he trotted to.

Nandi was his clear favorite.

Eleven days after Nandi was born, the zoo announced the birth of a second female baby rhino to mom Kit and dad Stormy. The zoo said it will offer details about her naming process soon.

Read more and see photos here.

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