In fantastic news for the species, a Sumatran Rhino calf was born in March in Way Kambas National Park in Indonesia to Rhino mum, Rosa! 

Sumatran Rhinos are critically endangered, and one of the most at-risk species on the planet with less than 80 individuals remaining.

This birth is such an important milestone for this iconic species and testament to the hard work of the team at the Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary Way Kambas, YABI Yayasan Badak Indonesia and the International Rhino Foundation. 

Taronga’s conservation and science staff have both provided technical expertise to support Rosa’s fertility, and the care of Sumatran Rhinos. 

Thanks to generous donations from Wildlife Defenders, Taronga has also provided support for anti-poaching teams and is working with the International Rhino Foundation, Way Kambas National Parks and the local community to restore lowland forests within the park, creating safe future habitat for Sumatran Rhinos and many other endangered species.

Closer to home, we were also excited to announce the arrival of a male Greater One-horned Rhino calf, born in the early hours of Sunday 17 October 2021 at Taronga Western Plains Zoo. The calf was born to mum Amala and named “Hari” by his keepers, meaning sun in Nepalese. 

Taronga Western Plains Zoo is the only zoo in Australia that houses Greater One-horned Rhinos. And with an estimated wild population of only 4000, our breeding program is instrumental in securing a future for the species.