Taronga Western Plains Zoo has welcomed the pitter patter of little hooves ahead of World Rhino Day on Sunday 22 September.
Southern Black Rhinoceros Mesi gave birth to a healthy male calf late on Saturday 24 August. Keepers had been monitoring the mum-to-be closely in the lead up to the delivery.

“Mesi gave birth overnight in a behind-the-scenes breeding area within our Black Rhinoceros complex,” Black Rhino Keeper Grace Humphery said.

“Being a first-time mum, Mesi took a little bit of time to bond with her calf following his birth. She is a very cautious Black Rhino and this was evident in how she approached the calf following delivery. However, within 24 hours she had moved into mum mode, which was great to see.”
Grace said Mesi and her newborn calf are doing well and are now absolutely inseparable,

“Mesi has really stepped into her role as mum,” Grace said. “She is super protective of her calf, he is feeding well and hitting all of his key milestones for his first few weeks.”

“To see them together is just beautiful. He is a very brave and curious calf. Having another Black Rhino on the ground is so special. He will be an important part of our conservation program and an amazing little ambassador for his species.”
Mesi and her yet-to-be-named calf will remain behind-the-scenes to bond together over the coming months. This also allows the Zoo’s Black Rhino keepers to build rapport with the calf, which will be vital for his ongoing health and wellbeing. Adult male Black Rhinos can grow to 1.7 metres tall and over 1300 kilograms, meaning cooperative care is crucial.

Taronga Western Plains Zoo had been expecting the birth of two rhino calves this year, however Black Rhino Bakhita sadly gave birth to a stillborn calf. Bakhita has been closely monitored to ensure her wellbeing and recovery and is doing well. The loss underscores the importance of Taronga’s breeding conservation program for this critically endangered species, where every birth counts.
Like all remaining rhinoceros species, Black Rhinos continue to be poached for their keratin horn which is used in traditional medicines, even though it is scientifically proven to have no benefit for humans.

Taronga is a proud founding member of the International Rhino Foundation (IRF) which coordinates global rhino conservation. Taronga Chief Executive Cameron Kerr AO has served on the IRF Board of Directors since 2008.

“Through the IRF Taronga actively supports conservation efforts for wild rhinos in Africa, Indonesia and India, providing funds and support for anti-poaching and wildlife protection units, habitat protection and restoration,” Cameron said.

“Taronga also provides expertise in rhino veterinary care and reproduction. We are working hard to ensure all rhino species continue to survive in the wild.”
“Taronga Western Plains Zoo is the only institution outside of the African continent that is successfully breeding the critically endangered Southern Black Rhinoceros, so every birth is critical.”

Visitors to Taronga Western Plains Zoo can make a difference for critically endangered species like Black Rhinos by visiting the Zoo, staying overnight, or buying a gift or encounter.

“Taronga is not-for-profit, so every dollar you spend here at the Zoo has the power to protect wildlife,” Cameron said.
Taronga Western Plains Zoo is also the only Zoo in the region that’s home to three of the five remaining species of rhino: Black, White and Greater One-horned.

Celebrate World Rhino Day with us this Sunday
Guests are invited to celebrate World Rhino Day at Taronga Western Plains Zoo on Sunday 22 September with information stalls, special keeper talks and giveaways being held throughout the day.

To learn more about Taronga Western Plains Zoo’s Black Rhino conservation breeding program, go to https://taronga.org.au/taronga-western-plains-zoo-dubbo/whats/rhino-ranger or head along to the Black Rhino Keeper Talk at 9.25am daily, free with your Zoo entry.

Tickets to the Zoo are valid for two consecutive days, allowing guests to take their time or hop back around to any of the family’s favourite stops. Taronga Western Plains Zoo is open 8.30am-4pm daily during NSW School Holidays. For more information about planning a visit to Taronga Western Plains Zoo or to purchase your tickets online visit www.taronga.org.au/dubbo-zoo.

Taronga is a not-for-profit organisation. This means whether you visit, stay overnight, donate, become a Zoo Friend, book an unforgettable encounter or buy a gift for a loved one, every dollar you spend has the power to protect and save wildlife.