A Little Star: Rhino Named at Taronga Western Plains Zoo

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: March 29, 2021 12:20 pm

Sabi Star the black rhino calf born recently at Taronga Western Plains Zoo

Photo Credit: Rick Stevens/ Taronga Western Plains Zoo

Taronga Western Plains Zoo have announced the name of their baby black rhino born on February 24th 2021 alongside the release of adorable images of her first frolic in the mud.

The now month old calf has been named Sabi Star by zookeepers. The name comes from a rare and beautiful flower found in Zimbabwe. This flower will only bloom during harsh dry periods and the keepers felt this reflected the struggle wildlife is currently facing.

Sabi Star the black rhino calf enjoys her first wallow in the mud

Photo Credit: Rick Stevens/ Taronga Western Plains Zoo

“We all felt the name was so fitting and given the calf’s confident and curious personality, she will no doubt be a star ambassador for her species,” said Black Rhino Keeper Jake Williams

“Sabi Star is progressing really well and now weighs over 80kgs. She is putting on approximately one kilogram a day.”

Keepers have noted that the calves personality is starting to shine and that she is most confident and inquisitive calf born at the zoo to date.

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Experienced mother Bakhita has given birth to between three calves before and has once again shown her skills while raising this calf. She is a relaxed, calm mother and this influence is transferring to her calf.

“Sabi Star currently spends most of her time feeding, mimicking her mum’s behaviours, exploring her environment and sleeping. She is growing in confidence every day and follows the lead of Bakhita when going for a gallop around the paddock or exploring the newly formed puddles.”

“She has already started mouthing and exploring food that is provided to her mum and over the course of the next 6 – 12 months she will continue to suckle whilst increasing her intake of solid food,” said Jake.

Sabi Star the black rhino calf with her mother Bakhita

Photo Credit: Rick Stevens/ Taronga Western Plains Zoo

Keepers are looking forward to Sabi Star and Bakhita hopefully making their public debut in early May.

Currently the black rhino is listed as critically endangered in the wild. Less than 6000 of them are thought to remain in the wild.

Taronga Western Plains Zoo maintain a world renowned breeding program for the species. They also fund conservation work for rhinos in the wild. This includes support for habitat protection and restoration, anti-poaching and rhino protection units and the reduction of human-animal conflict which are all vital to ensure Rhino species will continue to survive in the wild.

Sabi Star the black rhino calf with her mother Bakhita

Photo Credit: Rick Stevens/ Taronga Western Plains Zoo

Learn more about Black Rhinos here – Black Rhino Fact File | The Animal Facts

Learn more about Taronga Western Plains Zoo on their website – Taronga Western Plains Zoo

Sabi Star the black rhino calf enjoys her first wallow in the mud

Photo Credit: Rick Stevens/ Taronga Western Plains Zoo