- Taronga Zoo just welcomed four exciting new arrivals, just in time for the school holidays.
- Hari, a Greater One-horned Rhino, and three Asian Water Buffalo (Kahn, Sahasi and Babu) will live at the newly-opened Rhino Reserve.
- Hari’s arrival marks the first time a Greater One-horned Rhino has lived at Taronga Zoo in more than a decade.
Taronga Zoo has announced the arrival of what they’re calling the “Fab Four” at the newly opened Rhino Reserve, welcoming a Greater One-Horned Rhino named Hari alongside a trio of stunning Asian Water Buffalo.
Hari’s arrival is particularly exciting, marking the first time a Greater One-horned Rhino has lived at Taronga Zoo in Sydney in more than a decade. Born to Australia’s only breeding pair of this species, he stands as a meaningful ambassador for rhino conservation and the ongoing efforts needed to safeguard their future.
Despite a population recovery in recent years, the Greater One-horned Rhino remains classified as Vulnerable, and Hari’s presence at Taronga Zoo will no doubt help to educate visitors on the challenges faced by his species.
All four animals recently made the journey from Taronga’s sister zoo in Dubbo, as part of a carefully coordinated convoy and have spent some time getting used to their new home, with the help of Taronga’s dedicated keepers.
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The team transported the animals from their sister zoo, Taronga Western Plains, in Dubbo. (Images supplied).
From Dubbo to Sydney
Transporting the huge animals on the five-and-a-half-hour journey from rural Dubbo to Sydney was no small feat. The Water Buffalo travelled together in a specialised transport unit, while Hari, who weighs an impressive 1.8 tonnes, followed a few days later in a custom-designed transport crate.
Senior Ungulate Keeper at Taronga, Renae Moss, expressed the team’s excitement at how seamless the move was:
“Animal moves of this scale take a lot of planning, and we’re very pleased to say all four travelled without a hitch,” Moss shared.
“The best time to spot both species is first thing in the morning, as soon as the gates open. Hari already feels very confident in his barn, and he is building his confidence outdoors every day- we’re seeing great progress.”
Although Hari’s arrival is the one making headlines, the new Asian Water Buffaloes are another exciting addition that will be available to see in the Rhino Reserve.
Taronga reports that Kahn, Sahasi and Babu are already enjoying their new Reserve, building rapport with their Sydney keepers and making full use of the swimming hole and cascading waterfall in the lower section of their habitat.
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Taronga Zoo’s new arrivals are settling into their new Rhino Reserve. (Image supplied).
A new era for the Wild Asia Precinct
The new Rhino Reserve can be found in the Wild Asia Precinct, near the Rainforest Trail, which features Taronga’s popular Tiger Trek, teaching visitors about conservation and the harmful effects of palm oil deforestation. The precinct used to house two Asian Elephants, Tang Mo and Pak Boon, however, they left the zoo at the end of April 2025.
This makes the arrival of the new animals even more exciting, as the newly built Rhino Reserve takes centre stage in the precinct, sure to attract even more visitors.
Nick Boyle, the Executive Director of Taronga Zoo Sydney, emphasised this, stating, “These new arrivals are extraordinary animals, and together they help bring to life a vibrant habitat that reflects the ecosystems of India and Nepal.”
“Every visit to Taronga supports not only our exceptional wildlife care, but also vital conservation work around the world,” added Boyle. “We’re proud to welcome these remarkable animals to Sydney and look forward to sharing their stories with our community.”
Visitors can now see Hari, Kahn, Sahasi and Babu at their new home, right in time for the school holidays.
To find out more about the new arrivals or to book your tickets to go and see them, head to taronga.org.au
You can also get 15% off general admission to Taronga Zoo by bringing a physical copy of the Sydney Travel Guide Summer Edition along to the zoo when purchasing your ticket, which is out now.
