Keepers at Taronga Western Plains Zoo are celebrating a special birthday this month as Kufara the Black Rhino turns one!

Kufara was born on 17 February 2010 to first time mother Bakhita and was the second generation to be born at the Zoo.

Over the last 12 months, Kufara has been busy growing steadily both in size and personality.  Kufara has definitely taken on the personality of both parents, with her mother’s confidence and her father’s gentle nature.

 “It was an exciting time when Kufara was born and over the past year it has been wonderful watching her grow and develop,” said keeper Katie Boyer.

Keepers have been working closely with Kufara to build a relationship of trust and cooperation.  A highlight to the day for the Black Rhino keepers is the daily tactile session with Kufara. 

“She really enjoys having her belly rubbed which is great because it allows us as well as veterinary staff to get very close to monitor her health, both now and into the future,” said Katie. 

Kufara has been a popular attraction at the Zoo with thousands of people coming to the Black Rhino exhibit to see this rare new addition over the past year.

“Today we have given Kufara and Bakhita some special treats to mark this milestone.  They have some browse and fruit spikes out in their exhibit which are their favourites,” said Katie.

Taronga Western Plains Zoo is recognised internationally for its Black Rhino breeding program and the research conducting here on site which has produced the world’s first Black Rhino embryo in 2008.

The Black Rhinoceros is classified as critically endangered with only 4230 left in the wild.  Poaching is the single largest threat to its ongoing survival in the wild.