Black Rhino Calf Debuts at Taronga Western Plains Zoo

Black Rhinoceros calf Matobo has galloped on to the plains at Taronga Western Plains Zoo for the first time. With his debut guests at the zoo can now meet two rhino calves at the Dubbo attraction.

Matobo was born during April 2023 to mother Kufara. Since his birth the pair have been strengthening their bond in an off display area.

“Matobo and Kufara are now out on our main Black Rhino paddock and while they were a bit shy to start with, Matobo is getting more confident each and every day,” said Black Rhino keeper Jake Williams.

“He’s a big boy now, about 250 kilograms, and starting to eat mum’s food, like browse, hay, and goodies like sweet potato, carrots and bananas.

“He’s out there running around with mum in the mornings, exploring his world and is meeting all the milestones we like to see.”

Matobo joins southern white rhinoceros, Jabulani born in June to help bring awareness to their threatened species.

It is perfect timing with World Rhino Day coming up on September 22. The zoo will celebrate with a special Rhino Ranger Trail this coming holiday period helping guests to learn about the five surviving rhino species.

“With fewer than 27,000 rhinos left in the wild, days like World Rhino Day are important to raise awareness of the plight all rhino species are facing, so we can all do our part to save them.”

Taronga Western Plains Zoo is the only zoo in Australia where guests can see three species of rhino - Black, White and Greater One-Horned.