Australia Zoo, an internationally renowned conservation leader, was thrilled to celebrate resident rhino DJ’s 21st birthday on World Rhino Day, a globally recognised day to honour these iconic African animals.
DJ, a southern white rhino, arrived at Australia Zoo 16 years ago. The 2.2 tonne gentle giant marked his special day with his favourite activity – mud baths! Australia Zoo’s dedicated team celebrated DJ’s birthday with presents as he wallowed in the mud and received plenty of love and scratches.
Shane Dunn, Curator of Native and Exotic Mammals at Australia Zoo, was delighted to honour DJ and discussed the importance of protecting rhinos from the devastating threats affecting their population in the wild.
“Here at Australia Zoo, our team was delighted to surprise DJ with his favourite treats for his 21st birthday. Rhinos face unprecedented threats in the wild from poaching and habitat loss,” Shane Dunn said.
“Through raising awareness and our collective conservation efforts, we can create a better future for rhinos so that they thrive in their natural habitat for generations to come. We are proud to provide a wonderful home to rhinos at Australia Zoo, educating visitors about the plight of the species in the wild and how we can come together and contribute to rhino conservation,” he said.
Southern white rhinos are listed as near threatened in the wild, and Australia Zoo is proud to be the only zoological facility in Queensland to provide a home to an active breeding group of rhinos, with our first rhino calf born in 2012!
At Australia Zoo, we are committed to safeguarding the future of these magnificent creatures, and our team works tirelessly to create an environment that ensures the wellbeing of rhinos, fostering an atmosphere of growth and contentment.
Wildlife conservationist Terri Irwin said, “DJ is such a special part of our Australia Zoo family, and he has reached a remarkable milestone in his life. We hope that everyone who visits Australia Zoo develops a passion and admiration towards rhinos, joining us in our global efforts to save these majestic animals.”
Wildlife Warriors, the non-profit organisation founded by Steve and Terri Irwin in 2002, further supports rhino conservation globally by providing funding to organisations including the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya and The Black Mambas all- women anti-poaching unit in South Africa. The inspiring efforts of these incredible partners support not just rhinos, but many African animals from poaching, protecting them in their natural environment.
