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Two tons of love and one very big baby boy. Ozzy and mom are doing great! Photography: Mark Pressler.
Safari West celebrates the birth of Ozzy the baby white rhino
By Emily Clarke
Safari West, a nationally recognised wildlife preserve located in Sonoma County, California, USA, has announced the birth of Ozzy, a healthy male southern white rhinoceros calf, born early Tuesday morning, 22 July. In a poignant reflection of the circle of life, Ozzy arrived on the very same day the world lost music icon Ozzy Osbourne. The timing of this birth adds symbolic weight to an already joyful milestone in Safari West’s ongoing conservation journey.
Ozzy is the younger sibling of Otto, born at Safari West on 2 April 2023, who now steps into the role of big brother. His mother, Eesha, a 20-year-old southern white rhino, is doing well and bonding closely with her newborn under the attentive care of the Safari West animal team. The calf’s sire is Ongava, a 29-year-old southern white rhinoceros who resides at Safari West through a long-standing loan agreement with the Indianapolis Zoo.
“This is a joyful moment for Safari West and a powerful reminder of our role in conservation,” Dr Nancy Lang, Safari West’s founder and conservation director told The Solo Traveller. “Every rhino birth inspires hope and underscores the importance of protecting these extraordinary animals. We’re honoured to care for this calf and grateful for the collaborative partnership that made this birth possible. Every rhino birth inspires hope and reminds us why conservation matters. Ozzy’s arrival is a moment of joy, and a reminder of our responsibility to protect these incredible animals.”
Up close and unforgettable. Ozzy snuggles in under mum’s horn with the sweetest look. Photography: Mark Pressler.
Visitors to Safari West may soon have the opportunity to view the new calf, as the team continues to prioritise his comfort and wellbeing during these early days. The calf is expected to stay with Eesha for up to two years while nursing and learning from mom. In Otto’s case, weaning occurred a bit earlier, so the animal care team will monitor closely and adjust as needed.
“At Safari West, we believe conservation begins with connection,” added Dr Nancy Lang. “When guests see a rhino calf up close, they feel wonder, empathy, and curiosity, and that’s where real conservation starts. This birth is more than just a moment of joy, it is part of our long-term commitment to protecting wildlife and inspiring the next generation of stewards.”
Side by side from day one, Ozzy and mom Eesha are stepping into life together. Photography: Mark Pressler.
Southern white rhinos are classified as Near Threatened on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s ‘Red List’ – a critical indicator of the health of our planet’s biodiversity. Encouragingly, 2023 marked the first increase in wild white rhino numbers in over a decade, and 2024 saw a further 3.4% rise. While progress is being made, ongoing conservation and anti-poaching efforts remain critical.
“The Indianapolis Zoo celebrates this new southern white rhinoceros calf, which is a win for the global conservation efforts of this amazing animal,” Dr Rob Shumaker, president and CEO of the Indianapolis Zoo told The Solo Traveller. “We appreciate the good care given to Ongava and his offspring by Safari West and feel fortunate to be part of this success story.”
Spanning 400 acres, Safari West is home to more than 900 animals representing over 90 species. With a steadfast commitment to research, education, and conservation, Safari West inspires guests to form meaningful connections with wildlife and take action to protect the natural world.
Emily Clarke is a passionate conservationist and The Solo Traveller’s Tourism Collaborations Lead.
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