NEED TO KNOW
Safari West in Santa Rosa, Calif., announced that it has named a southern white rhino born on Tuesday, July 22, “Ozzy” in honor of Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne, who died on the same day
The wildlife park described the events as “a poignant reflection of the circle of life” and said “the timing of this birth adds symbolic weight to an already joyful milestone”
Rhino Ozzy will join his brother Otto and mother Eesha at Safari West, and the reserve noted that guests might be able to see the newborn calf soon
He’s not exactly a “war pig,” but a southern white rhinoceros is doing his best to carry on Ozzy Osbourne’s rock legacy.
Safari West, a wildlife park in Santa Rosa, Calif., recently announced it has named a southern white rhino born on Tuesday, July 22, after Black Sabbath frontman Ozzy Osbourne, who died on the same day at the age of 76.
Osbourne’s family announced his death on July 22 in a statement to PEOPLE, saying, “It is with more sadness than mere words can convey that we have to report that our beloved Ozzy Osbourne has passed away this morning. He was with his family and surrounded by love. We ask everyone to respect our family privacy at this time.”
Following the famous family’s announcement, Safari West decided that its white rhino calf born on July 22 would be called “Ozzy” in honor of the rocker.
Scott Dudelson/Getty
Ozzy Osbourne
Safari West described the moment as “a poignant reflection of the circle of life,” in a release, adding that “the timing of this birth adds symbolic weight to an already joyful milestone.”
“Our rhino calf was born on the same day the world said goodbye to Ozzy Osbourne. The name felt like a quiet, meaningful tribute—a way to honor the passing of a bold, unforgettable spirit with the arrival of a new one. It wasn’t planned, just something that felt right,” the park added in a statement to PEOPLE.
https://people-app.onelink.me/HNIa/kz7l4cuf
Mark Pressler
Ozzy the rhino with his mom
The newly born Ozzy joins his older brother, Otto, who was born at Safari West on April 2, 2023, and his mother, Eesha, who is a 20-year-old southern white rhino. Ozzy’s father, Ongava, is a 29-year-old southern white rhino who is on loan from the Indianapolis Zoo.
Ozzy “is expected to stay” with his mother for “up to two years while nursing and learning” from her. The animal care staff at Safari West also noted that visitors to the park may get to see the newborn calf roaming the park “soon,” and that he is being monitored by staff.
“This is a joyful moment for Safari West and a powerful reminder of our role in conservation,” said Dr. Nancy Lang, Safari West’s founder and conservation director, in a release.
“Every rhino birth inspires hope and underscores the importance of protecting these extraordinary animals. We’re honored to care for this calf and grateful for the collaborative partnership that made this birth possible,” she added.
Mark Pressler
Ozzy the white rhino calf
White rhinos are listed as “near threatened” on the IUCN Red List, which tracks threatened species around the world. There are an estimated 17,500 white rhinos in the wild, though their populations have gone up in recent years, according to Safari West.
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Wild white rhino numbers increased for the first time in over a decade in 2023, and in 2024, there was a further 3.4% rise in its population, per the wildlife park.
“This birth is more than just a moment of joy; it’s part of our long-term commitment to protecting wildlife and inspiring the next generation of stewards,” Dr. Lang added.
Read the original article on People
