Something big has just arrived at Taronga Zoo Sydney, and we mean really big! If you are planning a visit these summer school holidays, get ready to meet the “Fab Four” – a dynamic new group of residents who are already making a massive splash at the newly opened Rhino Reserve.
Leading the charge is Hari, a magnificent four-year-old Greater One-horned Rhino. Weighing in at an impressive 1.8 tonnes, he is a sight to behold. But he hasn’t come alone. Hari is joined by a trio of charismatic Asian Water Buffalo named Kahn, Sahasi, and Babu. Together, they are transforming the landscape and bringing a whole new energy to the zoo.
A Carefully Planned Journey
Moving four large animals is no small feat! The group recently made the journey from Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo, travelling in a carefully coordinated convoy.
While the three Water Buffalo shared a specialised transport unit, Hari travelled in style in a custom-designed crate. This wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment road trip, either. Keepers from both zoos spent months preparing Hari for the big move. They worked tirelessly to ensure he was comfortable with his crate and even played recordings of Sydney’s unique soundscape—think ferry horns and plane engines—to help him acclimatise before he even left Dubbo.
Senior Ungulate Keeper Renae Moss shared that the move went off without a hitch. “Animal moves of this scale take a lot of planning,” she explained. “Hari already feels very confident in his barn, and he is building his confidence outdoors every day – we’re seeing great progress.”
Settling into a Vibrant New Home
The new Rhino Reserve is designed to be more than just an enclosure; it is a vibrant habitat that reflects the rich ecosystems of India and Nepal.
While Hari takes his time getting used to his new surroundings, his buffalo buddies are wasting no time making themselves at home. Kahn, Sahasi, and Babu are already becoming familiar faces, building a rapport with their Sydney keepers and loving the features of their new pad. You will likely spot them making full use of the swimming hole or cooling off under the cascading waterfall in the lower section of the habitat.
A Heavyweight for Conservation
Hari’s arrival is particularly special as it marks the first time a Greater One-horned Rhino has lived at Taronga Zoo Sydney in over a decade. Born to Australia’s only breeding pair of this species, Hari is a vital ambassador for his wild cousins.
Despite some recovery in recent decades, the Greater One-horned Rhino remains classified as Vulnerable. Hari’s presence here is a powerful reminder of both the progress we have made and the conservation challenges that still lie ahead. As Nick Boyle, Executive Director of Taronga Zoo Sydney, put it, “Every visit to Taronga supports not only our exceptional wildlife care, but also vital conservation work around the world.”
Plan Your Visit
Keen to spot the Fab Four? The best time to catch a glimpse of Hari and the buffalo is first thing in the morning, right when the gates open.
So, grab your hat, pack your sunscreen, and head to Taronga Zoo Sydney this summer. It is the perfect opportunity to see these extraordinary animals settle into the next chapter of their journey while supporting wildlife conservation across the globe.