Monarto Safari Park Announce Name for Rhino Calf

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: September 22, 2020 11:59 pm

The rhino calf explores the paddock at Monarto Safari Park

Photo Credit: Zoos SA

Monarto Safari Park in South Australia have announced the name for their zoomie loving rhino calf as they celebrate world rhino day.

The two month old calf was named Eshe with the help of zoo sponsor, Beach Energy.

“I’m delighted to reveal that the little calf’s name is Eshe which means life and energy in Swahili,” said Elaine Bensted, CE of Zoos SA.

The rhino calf explores the paddock at Monarto Safari Park

Photo Credit: Zoos SA

“Her name is fitting as she has brought new life to this threatened species and it’s fair to say that Eshe is a huge energy ball – she’s often seen thundering around her paddock and keeping mum Umqali on her hooves.”

“We asked Beach Energy, sponsors of the threatened Southern White Rhino at Monarto Safari Park, to come up with some suggestions and their staff presented us with a fantastic list of names.”

“There were so many beautiful names to choose from, all with a nod to the Southern White Rhino’s native Africa and to hope for this threatened species’ future.”

“Our keepers then whittled down the names down to a shortlist of three before Zoos SA staff and volunteers got the final vote.”

The rhino calf explores the paddock at Monarto Safari Park

Photo Credit: Zoos SA

— AD —

“Eshe, exactly two months old on World Rhino Day, is a significant addition to her species which is threatened with extinction,” finished Elaine.

She is part of a crash of six southern white rhinoceros housed at Monarto Safari Park. This includes two adult males, three adult females and the calf.

This number is set to grow in the coming years as Monarto welcome 40 southern white rhinoceros to form an insurance population against their extinction. The arrival of these rhinos is part of the Australian Rhino Project.