MOGO Zoo has taken delivery of two 4000kg rhino.
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“Wow, after waiting 15 years I can’t believe they are finally here", said Mogo Zoo owner, Sally Padey, as the precious cargo was gently lowered into position ready for the Rhinos’ first introduction to their brand new home at Mogo Zoo.
“It’s such relief to finally have them here safe, these are always tense and nervous moments for me” said Sally and understandably so given the enormity of the cargo in question.
Weighing up to 4000kg and standing up to 1.8metres tall, the Zoo's newest and largest residents, “Kei” and “Jabari”, a pair of male Southern White Rhino made the long journey south to Mogo early this week travelling through the night from Australia Zoo, located at Berowa on the Queensland Sunshine Coast.
Operations manager Paul Whitehorn said Kei and Jabari handled the trip extremely well.
“The planning for the move began a few months ago with every precaution and safety measure taken into account, including periodic veterinary checks along the way,” he said.
The move, part of the Australasian Species Management Program (ASMP), will see the pair of rhino play an important role in the future population of this threatened species.
“Who knows what the future holds, it would be dream come true if we could establish a breeding herd here at Mogo Zoo,” Sally said.
“To think that rhino were nearly hunted to extinction for its horn is unconscionable to me and Mogo Zoo will play any role necessary to ensure the ongoing conservation and preservation of this magnificent creature.”
For now Kei and Jabari will go through a settling in period getting acquainted with their new surroundings and their animal neighbours.
All going to plan, the rhino exhibit will be open to the public on January 10.
When asked about the scale of the project Sally said, “In the 25 year history of Mogo Zoo this would have to be one of the biggest projects the Zoo has ever embarked upon and would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of all the team at Mogo Zoo.
Sally also wanted to express a special thank you to NSW Forestry, Euro Civil Safety Barriers and King Bros Transport for their amazing generosity and ongoing support.