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)
Share and Follow

() 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.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Iran's ethnic minorities could hold key to regime's fate as protests continue

Ethnic Minorities in Iran: The Pivotal Force Shaping the Future Amid Ongoing Protests

Although the anti-government protests in Iran seemed to have slowed by Friday,…
Former Iranian prisoners reveal torture horrors as regime kills protesters on sight during crackdown

Iranian Regime’s Brutality Unveiled: Ex-Prisoners Expose Torture Amid Deadly Crackdown on Protesters

As Iran grapples with widespread protests and an intensified security crackdown, former…
Ex-deputy admits to 'jokingly' shooting his best friend in the head

Former Deputy Claims ‘Prank Gone Wrong’: Shocking Confession of Shooting Best Friend

A former sheriff’s deputy from Florida has admitted guilt in the shooting…
Duval County high school graduation rate hits new high, surpassing state

Duval County High Schools Achieve Record-High Graduation Rates, Surpassing State Average

Graduation rates for Duval County, encompassing charter schools, soared to an impressive…
Feds in Minneapolis immigration operation can’t detain or tear gas peaceful protesters, judge rules

Judge Blocks Feds from Detaining or Using Tear Gas on Peaceful Protesters in Minneapolis Immigration Operation

A federal judge in Minnesota has ruled that immigration enforcement officers in…
The astonishing sign my wife sent me from beyond the grave

Unbelievable: Husband Receives Astonishing Message from Deceased Wife, Sparking Conversations on Afterlife

In my Montana backyard stands a tranquil grove of century-old pines, their…
The boardroom decisions that split Macy's and Saks' fortunes

Boardroom Decisions That Diverged the Trajectories of Macy’s and Saks

When the news broke this week of a venerable American department store…
Would-be assassin, 22,' caught threatening to kill VP at Disneyland'

22-Year-Old Arrested for Allegedly Threatening Vice President’s Life at Disneyland

A 22-year-old resident of California is accused of issuing alarming threats of…