Rhino sculpture marks links between Dubbo and Taronga Western Plains Zoo

Latest News

Rhino sculpture marks links between Dubbo and Taronga Western Plains Zoo

April 15, 2013

Attractions / Culture / Marketing / Recreation / Tourism /

Ties between Dubbo and Taronga Western Plains Zoo have been commemorated with the unveiling of a statue of a Southern Black Rhino cow and calf outside the Dubbo's visitor information centre.

The bronze sculpture, weighing more than a tonne, was one of three crafted by Sydney-based sculptors Marc and Gillian Schattner. It was sculpted as a philanthropic gesture to the zoo after the sudden and mysterious death of a number of white rhinoceros about 12 months ago.

The bronze sculpture has two fibreglass twins, which are being placed at the zoo and the Dubbo regional airport.

The three sculptures cost $26,000 of which Dubbo City Council paid half, while also paying half of the $8,000 transportation costs.

Western Plains Zoo General Manager Matt Fuller said the Schattners only needed the cost of the materials to be covered and the rest they provided without charge, adding that the rhino subjects were based on two females that are part of the zoo's breeding program.

Welcoming the statue, Fuller explained "the zoo was synonymous with rhino protection and now, so is Dubbo."

12th April 2013 - TARONGA WESTERN PLAINS ZOO OPENS NEW ACCOMMODATION EXPERIENCE

2nd April 2012 - WHITE RHINO DEATHS BAFFLE STAFF AT DUBBO’S WESTERN PLAINS ZOO

Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.