Oklahoma City Zoo welcomes 5-year-old Indian rhino

OKLAHOMA CITY ( KFOR ) – A 5-year-old male Indian rhinoceros has traveled from New York to join Oklahoma City's animal family.

According to the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden, the new rhino, named Mohan, came from the Buffalo Zoo and is currently in quarantine at the Zoo's rhino barn and outdoor habitat. His name Mohan is derived from Sanskrit and means "fascinating," "charming," and "enchanting."

He made the trip as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) breeding recommendation. Mohan eventually will join female rhinos Niki and Shanti in the rhino habitat.

"We are excited to welcome Mohan and to re-establish our rhino breeding program," said Kristofer Flickinger, OKC Zoo's Assistant Curator of Elephants and Rhinos. "His expected mate will be Niki."

GOOD NEWS!: Huge penguin chick 'Pesto' a social media heavyweight

Officials say Shanti, 37, is Mohan's grandmother. She is the oldest Indian rhino in human care in North America.

According to the Zoo, Mohan's arrival plays a big role in the species' survival, as the Indian rhino population has been growing after nearly going extinct in the early 20th century.

"We'll be getting to know Mohan better as he's integrated with our herd, but we know he's extremely playful," Flickinger said. "So we think he'll be a favorite for our guests."

To plan your visit to the Zoo, visit OKCZoo.org .