Whipsnade's white rhino calf

LITTLE HORN AT WHIPSNADE

A new white rhino calf amazed keepers at Whipsnade Wild Animal Park in October, when it was born to a 21-year-old female - who has never had a calf before! This prehistoric looking youngster - a perfect miniature version of its parents - is keeping close to her mother's side as she makes her first playful explorations of the inside enclosure. The baby is proving to be a huge hit with public and keepers alike.

First-time mother, Nowanna, was herself born and bred at Whipsnade, and has produced Whipsnade's 45th calf since the breeding herd was established in 1970. Nsiswa, the father, came to Whipsnade in 1991, and this is his third calf born to the herd. Whipsnade's white rhinos live in a 21.5 acre 'savannah' which they share with waterbuck, roan antelope and nyala.

Early in the twentieth century the white rhino was considered virtually extinct, and it is only thanks to breeding programmes such as the one at Whipsnade, that the species has managed to survive. Whipsnade hosts one of the most successful breeding herds outside South Africa, and most rhinos born at Whipsnade move to collections around the world as part of the European Endangered Species breeding programme. Who knows to which part of the globe Whipsnade's newest arrival may go to help fight for the survival of her species.

For further information and availability of pictures, contact Miranda or Jo on 01582 872171.