Taronga Western Plains Zoo Taronga Western Plains Zoo News 2025
- Thread starter Zoofan15
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Four geldings have joined the nine Mongolian Wild Horse mares in the main habitat at Dubbo. This creates a herd of 13 - reported on their FB page.
These could be the four young males at Monarto; all sons of their breeding stallion and at or approaching dispersal age:
1.0 Sayla (07/08/2022) Bataai x Tinka
1.0 Zamba (18/09/2022) Bataai x Takhi-too
1.0 Oliver (00/09/2023) Bataai x Tinka
1.0 Unnamed (29/09/2023) Bataai x Effie
Male giraffe calf named:
From socials:
Introducing Chacha – Taronga Western Plains Zoo’s 64th calf born through the conservation breeding program.
Chacha means ‘strong man’ in Swahili – a fitting choice as chosen by you for the male calf who was very quick to stand, suckle and take his first steps.
Born to experienced mother Ntombi on International Zookeepers Day, Chacha is the fourth calf of the 2024 spring baby boom and joins male calves Miguu (‘legs) and Asani (‘rebellious’), and female calf Nala (‘beloved’) in the Zoo’s tower.
All four calves can be seen on the main Giraffe habitat at Taronga Western Plains Zoo, or during the Giants of Africa Walk.
From socials:
Introducing Chacha – Taronga Western Plains Zoo’s 64th calf born through the conservation breeding program.
Chacha means ‘strong man’ in Swahili – a fitting choice as chosen by you for the male calf who was very quick to stand, suckle and take his first steps.
Born to experienced mother Ntombi on International Zookeepers Day, Chacha is the fourth calf of the 2024 spring baby boom and joins male calves Miguu (‘legs) and Asani (‘rebellious’), and female calf Nala (‘beloved’) in the Zoo’s tower.
All four calves can be seen on the main Giraffe habitat at Taronga Western Plains Zoo, or during the Giants of Africa Walk.
Giraffe birth:
In a post celebrating 48 years since Taronga Western Plains Zoo opened, it was mentioned a fifth giraffe calf has been born (sometime after the last birth in October 2024).
This calf joins 3.1 calves born last year - Chacha, Miguu, Asani and Nala.
Nyah or Malaika appear the most likely candidates for the dam of this calf; given Asmara, Mvita, Ntombi and Zane were the mothers of the other four calves and the other two cows only turn five later this year.
Dubbo previously said it was expecting up to six calves in Spring 2025, which appeared to reference the possibility of the older six cows being pregnant.
0.1 Asmara (24/07/2006) - Calf 2024
0.1 Ntombi (25/07/2007) - Calf 2024
0.1 Mvita (04/04/2011) - Calf 2024
0.1 Nyah (01/01/2016)
0.1 Zane (00/02/2016) - Calf 2024
0.1 Malaika (11/09/2017)
0.1 Layla (01/07/2020)
1.0 Losiligi (21/09/2020)
In a post celebrating 48 years since Taronga Western Plains Zoo opened, it was mentioned a fifth giraffe calf has been born (sometime after the last birth in October 2024).
This calf joins 3.1 calves born last year - Chacha, Miguu, Asani and Nala.
Nyah or Malaika appear the most likely candidates for the dam of this calf; given Asmara, Mvita, Ntombi and Zane were the mothers of the other four calves and the other two cows only turn five later this year.
Dubbo previously said it was expecting up to six calves in Spring 2025, which appeared to reference the possibility of the older six cows being pregnant.
0.1 Asmara (24/07/2006) - Calf 2024
0.1 Ntombi (25/07/2007) - Calf 2024
0.1 Mvita (04/04/2011) - Calf 2024
0.1 Nyah (01/01/2016)
0.1 Zane (00/02/2016) - Calf 2024
0.1 Malaika (11/09/2017)
0.1 Layla (01/07/2020)
1.0 Losiligi (21/09/2020)
Last I heard Amala and Hari were housed in the Asian Wetlands habitat (near the otters); while Dora was housed in the smaller Grasslands habitat (near The Waterhole). It was mentioned that the three rhinos would be rotating so I would assume one of his parents would have the run of the Wetlands habitat; and the other Grasslands - either rotating or the bull occupying the larger habitat.
I’m not aware of imminent plans to breed again; but that’s not to say a breeding recommendation won’t follow in the future (dependent on interest from other holders). Hari is their only surviving offspring.
As far as I know, Hari's still in with his mum. But potentially he's rotating with her now in preparation for the move to Taronga this spring.
In the past Dubbo have rotated the pair across the exhibits although it's never been a frequent thing. Usually Dora has run of the larger habitat opposite the otters (with the waterhole feature), although it's possible they've now given Hari and Amala run of the bigger exhibit to give them more space as a duo in the meantime before Hari departs.
Giraffe calf born December 2:
A Giraffe calf was born December 2 to Nyah and is being hand raised. It’s appears this was the mystery fifth calf (mentioned above), with the birth only being announced now due to him being hand raised; though I note up to six females (the sixth being Malaika) were suspected to be pregnant.
From socials:
Introducing Msumeno! If you've visited the Zoo recently, you might have noticed a calf behind the main herd, in our back-of-house Giraffe habitat.
Msumeno was born on December 2 but was sadly rejected by his mother, so our dedicated keepers commenced around-the-clock care and hand-feeding. We're pleased to say that Msumeno is now thriving! His name means 'seesaw' in Swahili, reflecting his difficult, 'up and down' start to life.
He is not yet ready to join the main herd as he doesn't reliably respond to keepers' calls to come and feed, so for now he is living out the back with his dad Mtoto, who is doing an amazing job teaching him all the things he needs to know about being a Giraffe.
See if you can spot Msumeno from the front of our main Giraffe habitat, or on the Early Morning Walk or Giants of Africa tours.
A Giraffe calf was born December 2 to Nyah and is being hand raised. It’s appears this was the mystery fifth calf (mentioned above), with the birth only being announced now due to him being hand raised; though I note up to six females (the sixth being Malaika) were suspected to be pregnant.
From socials:
Introducing Msumeno! If you've visited the Zoo recently, you might have noticed a calf behind the main herd, in our back-of-house Giraffe habitat.
Msumeno was born on December 2 but was sadly rejected by his mother, so our dedicated keepers commenced around-the-clock care and hand-feeding. We're pleased to say that Msumeno is now thriving! His name means 'seesaw' in Swahili, reflecting his difficult, 'up and down' start to life.
He is not yet ready to join the main herd as he doesn't reliably respond to keepers' calls to come and feed, so for now he is living out the back with his dad Mtoto, who is doing an amazing job teaching him all the things he needs to know about being a Giraffe.
See if you can spot Msumeno from the front of our main Giraffe habitat, or on the Early Morning Walk or Giants of Africa tours.
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Black rhinoceros update:
Mesi’s male calf (born 2024) has been named Budhi
Matabo (2023) has been separated from his mother and is now sharing a paddock with Sabi (2021).
——————
Considering Matabo is 23 months, this could be to facilitate a breeding introduction between his mother Kufara (2010) to Sentwali (2004), who arrived onsite last year. After her last pregnancy ended in miscarriage, it’s unclear if they’ll continue breeding from Bakhita (2002); and it could be another year before Sabi is cycling.
Mesi’s male calf (born 2024) has been named Budhi
Matabo (2023) has been separated from his mother and is now sharing a paddock with Sabi (2021).
——————
Considering Matabo is 23 months, this could be to facilitate a breeding introduction between his mother Kufara (2010) to Sentwali (2004), who arrived onsite last year. After her last pregnancy ended in miscarriage, it’s unclear if they’ll continue breeding from Bakhita (2002); and it could be another year before Sabi is cycling.
Taronga Western Plains Zoo’s black rhinoceros are as follows (listed in order of age):
0.1 Bahkita (2002)
1.0 Sentwali (2004)
1.0 Mpzeni (2005)
0.1 Kufara (2010)
1.0 Dafari (2015)
0.1 Mesi (2017)
1.0 Pampoen (2017)
0.1 Sabi Star (2021)
1.0 Matobo (2023)
1.0 Budhi (2024)
I agree they need to maximise the number of calves, especially given their capacity (31 yards!), which would allow a much larger number to be held.
Presumably Kufara will breed with Sentwali soon; with Bakhita hopefully breeding again. Sabi will reach sexual maturity within the next year or so.
Monarto should hopefully be receiving one of the females soon. Bakhita is the obvious candidate being the most distantly related cow to Monarto's bull (Induna), but they may also look at transferring her young daughter (Sabi) across so Monarto can serve as a second breeding facility regionally.
That would be more than timely...! I would really even advocate to let another very young cow leave for Monarto also.
Further up, I would like to see a 3rd open range zoo take on some surplus black rhino. If you look at the younger group of bull black rhinos ... both males Dafari (b. 2015) and Pampoen (b. 2017) will need to move sooner rather than later.
Finally, I do remain of the opinion the import ex US (with a surplus of unrelated bull rhinos and/or an import direct ex Eswatini or South Africa would be more than welcome and desirable.... It could be more enthousiastically pursued by the ZAA black rhino breeding program.
US-side: Surplus bulls at Abilene (1.0 born at Fort Worth), Chehaw (1.0 born at El Coyote Ranch) and Disney AK (2.0 both born at Disney AK). Take your pick ..., I would say!
BTW: The US/IRF southern black rhino program has now become something of a show stopper. The only sites in the ex situ conservation breeding program US-side with any realistic chances for positive breeding results are White Oak and the El Coyote Ranch (this ranch probably has the best breeding record of all US facilities ...)!
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I’d expect one of Taronga Western Plains Zoo’s cows to transfer across to Monarto since Monarto’s new set up is to accomodate breeding, which indicates some level of confidence in receiving a cow. Since there’s no hope of imports, said cow will inevitably come from Dubbo.
What’s interesting to note about Bakhita’s line is that every female to date has successfully bred. Bearing in mind that females of this species have a better reproductive outlook if they breed early in life, then they’ll likely want to retain Sabi to ensure she has the best chances. Bakhita by comparison is a proven breeder and the ideal candidate to pair with an inexperienced bull at a facility that has never bred the species before.
Taronga Western Plains Zoo have 31 yards, so retaining these bulls long term shouldn’t be an issue.
I agree new holders are always welcome though. Long term, Altina, Werribee and Australia Zoo are all possibilities.
African lion cubs born February 21:
1.2 cubs have been born to Lwazi and Marion, their third litter together.
If an integration of the cubs with their father and older siblings is achieved, Taronga Western Plains Zoo will hold the largest integrated lion pride in Australia; though this would be the natural time to transition the two 18 month old males out the pride - reducing numbers to nine lions (equalling Monarto’s pride in size).
Lion cubs get pride of place as zoos announce arrivals
It marked lioness Marion's third litter at the zoo, and senior keeper Mel Friedman said the birth went smoothly.
"She gave birth to one boy and two girls with four hours between each birth, so it was a very long day for all of us," she said.
1.0 Lwazi (12/08/2017) Johari x Nilo
0.1 Marion (22/06/2014) Imported 2018 (United States)
0.1 Amali (07/04/2022) Lwazi x Marion
0.1 Imani (07/04/2022) Lwazi x Marion
0.1 Mara (07/04/2022) Lwazi x Marion
1.0 Bahati (04/10/2023) Lwazi x Marion
1.0 Jabari (04/10/2023) Lwazi x Marion
0.1 Zawadi (04/10/2023) Lwazi x Marion
1.0 Unnamed (21/02/2025) Lwazi x Marion
0.1 Unnamed (21/02/2025) Lwazi x Marion
0.1 Unnamed (21/02/2025) Lwazi x Marion
1.2 cubs have been born to Lwazi and Marion, their third litter together.
If an integration of the cubs with their father and older siblings is achieved, Taronga Western Plains Zoo will hold the largest integrated lion pride in Australia; though this would be the natural time to transition the two 18 month old males out the pride - reducing numbers to nine lions (equalling Monarto’s pride in size).
Lion cubs get pride of place as zoos announce arrivals
It marked lioness Marion's third litter at the zoo, and senior keeper Mel Friedman said the birth went smoothly.
"She gave birth to one boy and two girls with four hours between each birth, so it was a very long day for all of us," she said.
1.0 Lwazi (12/08/2017) Johari x Nilo
0.1 Marion (22/06/2014) Imported 2018 (United States)
0.1 Amali (07/04/2022) Lwazi x Marion
0.1 Imani (07/04/2022) Lwazi x Marion
0.1 Mara (07/04/2022) Lwazi x Marion
1.0 Bahati (04/10/2023) Lwazi x Marion
1.0 Jabari (04/10/2023) Lwazi x Marion
0.1 Zawadi (04/10/2023) Lwazi x Marion
1.0 Unnamed (21/02/2025) Lwazi x Marion
0.1 Unnamed (21/02/2025) Lwazi x Marion
0.1 Unnamed (21/02/2025) Lwazi x Marion
Thank you!.
As it would appear some of the older rhinos have died out in the last few years. We will ideally need an import of new genetics sooner rather then later. Especially as Bahkita is now a common ancestor of most of the rhino. Hopefully we can maintain our luck with female births.
This is probably their best bet. She is the most experienced and the best genetic match. Monarto are in a good place to have black rhino. There climate is very similar to range countries and the new expansion opens up the opportunity to hold surplus in an almost natural set up.
They really need to import at least one female
Ideally monarto needs to import a cow. Western plains needs at least two bulls. If monarto imported a cow you cold essentially create a new genetic line. While two bulls could be paired with 2 each of the Western plains cows creating 2 seperate lines there. With further cows born paired to current Aus bred bulls. If the region imported and bred from 2 pairs, you could sustain the population almost indefinently.