He's not yet ready to face the whole world, but a tiny rhino born in Dubbo has started to explore his enclosure. 
The male greater one-horned rhino calf was born to first-time mother Amala at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in the NSW central west on   October 25.
His birth was much anticipated, after the breeding program for the rare type of rhino was launched in 2009.
The unnamed calf is the first of his breed to be born in Australia.
Since the calf was born he has stuck close to Amala in a holding yard not visible to the public, letting zoo staff keep a close eye on his progress.
Unlike black rhinos and white rhinos, who are native to Africa, greater one-horned rhinos hail from Asia.
The zoo has breeding programs for all three breeds.
Taronga Western Plains Zoo director Matthew Fuller said the healthy calf was a credit to keepers and staff.
"He seems to be a pretty robust little guy," Mr Fuller said.
"We'll be keeping an eye on him over the next few weeks, and giving visitors a chance to view him probably in another month or two."
The arrival, after a 15-month gestation, was significant around the world, especially to those interested in conservation.
"This birth is incredibly special," Mr Fuller said.
"With the situations facing rhinos globally, every birth is critical.
"This little guy will become an ambassador for his species, critical in educating the public."
Greater one-horned rhinos are considered vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, with an estimated 2700 remaining in the wild.
This story was originally published on The Optimist
The Optimist