Securing a safe future for rhinos

Rhino populations have dropped by an estimated 95% over the last two centuries, driven by human impact including poaching, illegal wildlife trade and habitat fragmentation. Three of the five rhino species are critically endangered and there are predicted to be fewer than 80 Sumatran and Javan Rhinos left on the planet, which means they could be extinct in our lifetime. 

The biggest threat rhinos face is poaching for their horn, which is used in some traditional medicines even though there’s no scientific proof of their efficacy (that they work!) Rhino horn is made of keratin – the same as our human hair and fingernails. The only animal with any use for these horns are the rhinos that grow them! Taronga is a founding member of the International Rhino Foundation (IRF). 

Taronga actively supports conservation efforts for wild rhinos in Africa, Indonesia and India, providing funds and support with the International Rhino Foundation for anti-poaching and wildlife protection units, habitat protection and restoration, and expertise in veterinary care and reproduction to ensure all rhino species continue to survive in the wild. 

Taronga Western Plains Zoo is the only zoo in Australia where you can see three species of rhino – Black Rhino, Greater One-horned Rhino and White Rhino. Black Rhino Status: Critically endangered Population: more than 6000 Black Rhinos live in Africa, primarily in grasslands, savannahs and tropical bush lands. Black Rhinos have a uniquely shaped, pointy (prehensile) upper lip to help them pull leaves off branches, bushes and shrubs. 

Did you know? 

Taronga operates the world’s largest breeding program for Southern Black Rhino outside of mainland Africa. Taronga is a proud founding member of the International Rhino Foundation (IRF), and Taronga Western Plains Zoo is home to the largest conservation breeding program for Southern Black Rhino outside of mainland Africa. 

This program is delivering new and exciting advancements in reproductive research – including the world-first reproductive technology that resulted in our most recent birth, Kufara’s calf Matobo, in April 2023. 

Greater One-horned Rhino 

Status: Vulnerable 

Population: More than 4,000 The Greater One-horned Rhino is the biggest of the rhino species, and can weigh up to 3,000kg! 

Taronga Western Plains Zoo is home to three Greater One-horned Rhinos, including calf Hari who turns two in October 2023, and already weighs over 1,100kg! 

Southern White Rhino 

Status: Near threatened 

Population: Less than 16,000 Taronga Western Plains Zoo is home to six White Rhinos, including calf Jabulani who was born in June 2023. 

How you can help 

Taronga actively supports conservation efforts for wild rhinos in Africa, Indonesia and India, providing funds and support with the International Rhino Foundation for anti-poaching and wildlife protection units, habitat protection and restoration, and expertise in veterinary care and reproduction to ensure all rhino species continue to survive in the wild. 

Taronga is not-for-profit, so whether you visit, stay overnight, donate, become a Zoo Parent, book an unforgettable behind the scenes experience or buy a gift for a loved one, every dollar you spend has the power to protect wildlife like rhinos. 

For more information about how you can support Taronga’s conservation efforts, go to 

https://taronga.org.au/power-to-protectTaronga is not-for-profit. Every dollar you spend has the Power to Protect. 

Whether you visit, stay overnight, donate, become a Zoo Friend or Zoo Parent, book an unforgettable behind the scenes experience or buy a gift for a loved one, every dollar you spend helps save wildlife like rhinos!