THE recent rainfall has produced perfect conditions at a Central West NSW zoo for a Black Rhino calf to enjoy its first mud bath with its mother.
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The newly named Sabi Star (pronounced Sarbi Star), walked in the mud with mother Bakhita, before playfully running through puddles in their behind-the-scene paddock.
Taronga Western Plains Zoo keepers named the calf after the beautiful, rare and much loved flower found in Zimbabwe. The Sabi Star only flowers during harsh dry periods which keepers felt signified the struggle for life all livings things face in the wild.
"We all felt the name was so fitting and given the calf's confident and curious personality, she will no doubt be a star ambassador for her species," Black Rhino Keeper Jake Williams said.
"Sabi Star is progressing really well and now weighs over 80kgs. She is putting on approximately one kilogram a day."
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Each calf born has an individual personality and it has been evident from day one that Sabi Star is the most confident and inquisitive calf born at the zoo to date.
Experienced mum Bakhita is continuing to show all the right maternal behaviours which is so important as Black Rhino calves learn from their mothers. They learn what to eat and how to react and respond to new situations, so having a relaxed and calm mother will ensure the calf is the same.
"Sabi Star currently spends most of her time feeding, mimicking her mum's behaviours, exploring her environment and sleeping. She is growing in confidence every day and follows the lead of Bakhita when going for a gallop around the paddock or exploring the newly formed puddles."
"She has already started mouthing and exploring food that is provided to her mum and over the course of the next 6 - 12 months she will continue to suckle whilst increasing her intake of solid food."
It is hoped that Bakhita and Sabi Star will make their public debut in early May.
Black Rhinos are currently listed as critically endangered.
