() Add one more tribute to Ozzy Osbourne in the wake of the icon’s passing this month: A wildlife preserve in California’s wine country has named a rhino calf after the heavy metal legend.
Safari West in Sonoma County says the male southern white rhinoceros came into the world the morning of July 22, the same day Osbourne, 76, died following a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. Officials said it was only natural to give the animal the Ozzy moniker.
“While known for his bold persona, Osbourne remains a symbol of cultural legacy and endurance qualities we celebrate with the arrival of this new life. The timing of the birth offers a quiet reminder of the circle of life that unfolds across generations and species,” Safari West said in an online post featuring photographs and video of the new rhino.
The calf was born to a 20-year-old southern white rhino named Eesha. The rhino that sired the newborn, Ongava, resides at the wildlife preserve through an agreement with The Indianapolis Zoo. Both institutions will share stewardship of Ozzy, officials said.
Southern white rhinos are classified as “Near Threatened,” according to the World Wildlife Fund. About 18,000 of the animals live within protected areas and private game reserves. Most occur in South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Kenya.
