February 2010
4 February 2010
Life as a rhino keeper is pretty amazing. Caring for these massive mammals takes a lot of dedication and hard work. But at the end of the day, we are rewarded with lots of love and affection from one of the most magnificent animals in the world!
Who would ever have thought a rhinoceros could be so affectionate? At first glance they appear tough, powerful and dangerous. Their immense size, strength and intimidating horns are enough to scare anyone or anything! But here at Australia Zoo, we are lucky enough to have a beautiful Southern White Rhino boy called DJ; one of the sweetest and most gentle rhinos you will ever meet.
As we arrive each morning, a sleepy 1960 kilogram DJ, is first to greet us. He slowly rolls out of bed, has a big stretch and yawn, before lumbering over for a scratch. Soaking up the attention, DJ closes his eyes, and stretches one of his back legs all the way out. Some days, he will even lie down and invite us to give him a good belly scratch! These are the moments when we are convinced that being a Rhino keeper is the best job in the world!
Feeling a tad jealous? Great news! You can come and meet our very affectionate boy, DJ, plus our other gorgeous rhinos by booking a Rhino Encounter on your next visit to the Zoo. Give DJ a good scratch and a handful of his favourite food and we are positive that you will have a friend for life!
4 Zoo Comments
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Gail from London 23rd September 2010 07:10:06 AEST
Please excuse my ignorance, but I'm not sure if the rhinos were at the zoo when Steve was alive or if they are a new addition, but I sincerely hope Steve was alive and had the opportunity of interacting with these beautiful animals. Does anyone remember Steve feeding the rhinos chocolate sandwiches when he visited a zoo in England? Steve loved the rhinos, the rhinos loved the chocolate sandwiches and I loved them both.
Gail from London 28th April 2010 01:40:41 AEST
How lucky are you? Who? Both of you. The keepers for having one of the best jobs in the world and the rhinos because they live at Australia Zoo. I can believe that rhinos are affectionate. I believe all animals respond to kindness, even rhinos. I'm very surprised that they are not on the 'vulnerable list', although I am obviously overjoyed that they are not. I really thought their numbers were few in the wild; glad I was wrong. Envy your job, but then I envy all staff at Australia Zoo. xxxxx
gabby 8th March 2010 06:44:54 AEST
Love rhinos!!!!!!!
Marilyn Pottorff 6th February 2010 22:39:03 AEST
This is fascinating. I really didn't think rhinos could be tamed, but I guess like elephants, they can. Wish I could visit Australia Zoo. Maybe if I ever win the lottery-----