Newborn rhino named after Ozzy Osbourne: ‘Circle of life’

  • Rock legend Ozzy Osbourne died July 22 at age of 76
  • Ex-Black Sabbath frontman considered father heavy metal
  • Wildlife preserve named a rhino calf after the late musician
Baby Ozzy rhino with mom

Rhino calf Ozzy is seen with mother Eesha at Safari West. (used with permission, courtesy: Safari West/Mark Pressler)

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(NewsNation) — 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.

FILE - In this June 15, 1997 file photo, Ozzy Osbourne performs with Black Sabbath during the Ozzfest concert at the Meadowlands in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun, file)
FILE – In this June 15, 1997 file photo, Ozzy Osbourne performs with Black Sabbath during the Ozzfest concert at the Meadowlands in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun, file)

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.

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