Recently the zoo welcomed three playful Lion cubs and a rare Black Rhino calf, as well as four Asian Elephants from our sister Zoo, Taronga in Sydney.

The Lion cubs, born in late February, are proving a huge hit with visitors as they rumble, play and chase each other around. The male cub, Baako, and his two female siblings, Makeba and Zuri, are the first born at the Zoo, and certainly keeping mother Maya and father Lazarus busy.

Visitors can find out more about this special family during the Zoo’s Lion Keeper Talk, 12.15pm daily during the school holidays. It’s one of ten daily Keeper Activities included in the cost of zoo entry, and certainly a highlight of the schedule. Another is the Black Rhino Keeper Talk, which is sure to be a hit as visitors see the Zoo’s newest arrival for the first time this winter.

The male Black Rhino calf was born on 20 April, the third calf born in 10 years to the zoo’s renowned breeding program for this critically endangered species. The yet to be named calf is currently bonding with his mother in a behind-the-scenes yard but from late June visitors will get to see all 100+ kilograms of him as he explores the Black Rhino exhibit.

Catching the daily Elephant Keeper Talk is a great way to learn all about new Asian Elephants – mothers Porntip and Thong Dee and their male calves Pathi Harn and Luk Chai – and the plight of their wild counterparts. Taronga Western Plains Zoo is the only zoo in Australia where visitors can see and compare the Asian and African Elephant species, and is now home to seven elephants.

“Winter is a great time to visit the zoo and see all our new arrivals,” Keeper Pascale Benoit said.

“The Lion cubs are already attracting a lot of attention from visitors, however we’re sure when the little Black Rhino calf goes on display he will capture hearts too. Likewise the four Asian Elephants are amazing to watch as they search for food hidden in their exhibit and check out their wallows, pools and sand pits. It really will be a great winter for a zoo visit!”

The Zoo is open all year-round and is a great place to relax and unwind with family in the zoo grounds or even in the free access area with children’s playground, café and free viewing of the Primate Islands, home to Spider Monkeys and Lemurs. Warm up this winter with a lap around the Zoo’s 6km circuit by bike or on foot!

Taronga Western Plains Zoo is located in Dubbo in Central Western NSW. The zoo opens from 9am - 4pm. For more information contact 6881 1400 or visit www.taronga.org.au.

Media Contact: Promotions and PR coordinator Kellsey Melhuish

02 6881 1413kmelhuish@zoo.nsw.gov.au