A British wildlife park is celebrating a significant conservation success following the birth of a male southern white rhino calf, a species classified as 'near threatened'. The new arrival at Knowsley Safari in Merseyside represents a valuable contribution to international efforts to protect the future of the animals.
The calf has been named Stanley, in honour of the historic family name of the Earl and Countess of Derby, owners of the Knowsley Estate. He is the fourth southern white rhino born at the safari park in just four years, joining a 10-strong rhino crash, one of the largest in the UK.
Lindsay Banks, ungulates team manager at Knowsley Safari, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Stanley to our crash. He’s bonding really well with mum, Meru, and will gradually be introduced to the rest of the crash in the coming weeks, when guests will be able to see him on the Safari Drive.”
Lord Derby of Knowsley Estate said: “To see such an important and near-threatened species thriving here is a testament to the dedication and expertise of the Safari’s animal team. This birth is not only a moment of great pride for Knowsley Estate, but a symbol of hope for the future of southern white rhino.”
The southern white rhino was nearly extinct at the end of the 19th century, but numbers increased due to protection and translocation efforts. Poaching peaked in 2014, and as of December 2017, there were an estimated 18,064 individuals in the wild. White rhino trophy hunting, legalised in 1968, has been credited with aiding recovery by incentivising landowners.
A Knowsley Safari spokesperson added: “These successful births are testament to our specialist team of ungulate keepers and their commitment to exceptional animal husbandry, as well as the vast 550-acre habitat where the rhino thrive.”
