22-Dec-09 8:00 AM CST

New Arrivals at Taronga Western Plains Zoo

Taronga Western Plains Zoo has great news to share these school holidays.

Visitors to the zoo will be treated to the sight of some special new arrivals, including Amala the greater one-horned rhino and zoo babies including a zebra foal and bison calf.

Amala arrived at the zoo after a 36-hour journey by plane and road from the US to take up residency in Dubbo. She joins the zoo’s male greater one-horned rhino, Dora, in the hope the two will produce Australia’s first greater one-horned rhino calf.

The zebra foal, born in late September, is an adorable addition to the herd. The young filly, named Zahra, meaning flower in Swahili, is the first offspring for mother Kioni and father Tano.

A bison calf is the latest arrival, born in the early hours of November 10. The male calf was born to experienced mother Shashone and father Cherokee-Bob.

Zoo babies are always popular with visitors. Visitors to the zoo over the summer can also see barbary sheep lambs on exhibit running with the herd.

During the school holidays, a full schedule of daily keeper presentations will be on offer along with a range of tours and encounters, including the Big Cat Encounter, Early Morning Walk and Giraffes in Focus.

Taronga Western Plains Zoo is located at Dubbo in Central Western NSW. The zoo is open every day from 9am – 4pm. For more information, contact 02 6881 1400 or visit http://www.taronga.org.au.

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