Community Corner

Watch: Rhino Mom Sets Rules For Newcomer, Ongava, In NorCal Preserve

Ongava joined Eesha and calf Ozzy after months of protected contact along a shared fence line.

The first shared-habitat introduction at the Safari West wildlife preserve brought an adult male rhino face-to-face with rhino mom Eesha and her calf.
The first shared-habitat introduction at the Safari West wildlife preserve brought an adult male rhino face-to-face with rhino mom Eesha and her calf. (Safari West )

SONOMA VALLEY, CA — After months of watching one another through a fence, a trio of white rhinos is getting accustomed to sharing the same space.

Ongava, an adult male, finally joined Eesha and her calf, Ozzy, in the same habitat — where the mother rhino decided just how close he could get.

But, instead of an African savannah, the small family is in Sonoma Valley at the Safari West wildlife preserve.

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That is where Ongava, a male southern white rhino, was introduced into the same habitat as Eesha and Ozzy a few weeks ago after the three spent months becoming accustomed to one another through a fence.

Before the introduction, Ongava, Eesha, and Ozzy shared the fenceline during the day while Safari West's animal care team monitored their interactions.

Find out what's happening in Sonoma Valleyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Safari West said the introduction has gone well. Eesha allows Ongava and Ozzy to spend time together and play, but she intervenes when their interactions become too rough.

Eesha also determines where Ongava can stand, when he needs to give her and Ozzy space, and when he can join them to eat, according to Safari West.

Safari West is a 400-acre wildlife preserve in Sonoma County that houses more than 900 animals representing about 90 species.

Founded in 1993, the Santa Rosa organization offers wildlife safaris and overnight stays and focuses on conservation and environmental education.

Video of the rhinos' interactions comes from a Zoolife.tv live camera, which allows viewers to watch the animals remotely.

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