Wattle found the rhinoceros being fed by his keeper at the Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo. He had asked someone to remind her to travel there so that he could ask her something .
Art by author ©️Olwen Assheton 2025.
When he had finished eating, Wattle flew over and landed on his horn. She asked him what he had wanted to ask her. The rhino said that he wanted more people to remember the fight to save them from extinction.
He asked Wattle to tell the children to come to the zoo more and raise awareness, as it was so important. Wattle said she would try to pass it on to every child that talked to her. She said adults could not see her. He said, “Try to imagine when we are not there anymore.”
The rhino sighed sadly and said, “Thank you, that is all. Thank you for coming.” His shoulders dropped, and he slowly moved towards a large tree as the heat of the sun was scorching. A tear tracked down Wattle’s tiny face. She was very touched by his request. She stayed by him for a while, listening to him and comforting him. She also sang a relaxing song into one of his ears.
She was sorry to go. She was on her way to a place called Tamworth and had a long flight ahead of her.
Art by author ©️Olwen Assheton 2025.
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