Santa Rosa Safari West Welcomes Newborn Southern White Rhino Calf

A southern white rhinoceros calf named Ozzy was born at Safari West wildlife preserve in Santa Rosa, California, coinciding with the day rock and roll legend Ozzy Osbourne passed away. The calf, born to 20-year-old mother Eesha and 29-year-old father Ongava, joins his 2-year-old brother Otto at the preserve, with Ongava and Ozzy under the ownership of the Indianapolis Zoo. The birth represents a significant success for conservation efforts, as southern white rhinos are classified as 'near threatened' with an estimated 17,500 remaining in the wild amid ongoing threats like poaching. Safari West emphasizes the importance of this birth as a symbol of hope and the continuation of efforts to protect these extraordinary animals. Visitors to the 400-acre preserve will soon have the opportunity to see Ozzy, whose care will be closely monitored to ensure healthy development. Both Safari West and the Indianapolis Zoo celebrate this event as a positive milestone in the global initiative to preserve the species.