Taronga Zoo Sydney is thrilled to introduce the Fab Four at its newly opened Rhino Reserve: Hari, a four-year-old Greater One-horned Rhino, joined by three Asian Water Buffalo—Kahn, Sahasi, and Babu. This dynamic group is settling into their new home, and visitors can look forward to spotting them during their adventure these summer school holidays.

All four animals recently made the journey from Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo as part of a carefully coordinated convoy and have spent the past couple of weeks getting to know their new home. The Water Buffalo travelled together in a specialised transport unit, while Hari - weighing in at an impressive 1.8 tonnes – followed a few days later in a custom-designed transport crate.

Keepers from Taronga Western Plains Zoo and Taronga Zoo Sydney spent months working together to prepare Hari for his move. They helped him become comfortable with his travel crate and even acclimatised him to the sounds of Sydney by playing recordings of ferry horns and planes. These small but progressive steps ensured Hari’s arrival and settling-in period has been smooth as possible.

Senior Ungulate Keeper, Renae Moss said the team was thrilled with how seamless the move and arrival process for both species were: “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,” said Moss.”

While Hari eases into his new surroundings, Kahn, Sahasi and Babu are already becoming familiar faces at the Reserve. The trio are building rapport with their Sydney keepers and making full use of the swimming hole and cascading waterfall in the lower section of their habitat.

Hari’s arrival marks the first time a Greater One-horned Rhino has lived at Taronga Zoo 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.

“These new arrivals are extraordinary animals, and together they help bring to life a vibrant habitat that reflects the ecosystems of India and Nepal,” said Nick Boyle, Executive Director of Taronga Zoo Sydney.

Despite a population recovery in recent decades, the Greater One-horned Rhino remains classified as Vulnerable. Hari’s story represents both the progress made and the conservation challenges that still lie ahead.

“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.” Taronga Zoo Sydney’s Rhino Reserve residents have arrived, with the Fab Four beginning the next chapter of their journey just in time for the summer holidays.