Knowsley Safari celebrates birth of rare southern white rhino calf

A delightful new addition has arrived at Knowsley Safari, as a southern white rhino has given birth to a female calf after a 16-month pregnancy.

Knowsley Safari shared the heartwarming news, announcing that both mother and baby are “doing well.” The female calf, born to mother Bayami and father Shaka, marks a significant milestone in conservation efforts to protect this incredible species.

While the calf has yet to be named, she is expected to join the safari drive in the coming weeks after completing her necessary health checks.

Bayami and Shaka have become familiar faces, having recently appeared on Channel 4’s “Secret Life Of The Safari Park” during its January and February broadcast. Viewers caught a glimpse of sire Shaka’s attempts to mate with Bayami in episode six, filmed in autumn 2022, but the outcome remained a mystery… until now.

The female rhino was born to parents Bayami and Shaka. Credit: Knowsley Safari/PA

The birth of the southern white rhino calf is particularly significant given the ongoing threat of poaching in South Africa, where these animals are still under threat despite remarkable conservation efforts. With the current white rhino population standing at around 17,000, each birth is celebrated as a crucial step in preserving this rare and vulnerable species.

Knowsley Safari boasts one of the largest white rhino crashes in the UK, and their successful breeding program plays a vital role in safeguarding these magnificent creatures.

In honour of Mother’s Day weekend on March 9 and 10, Knowsley Safari is offering a special promotion, allowing one adult per car to enjoy the safari free of charge when accompanied by a full-paying child.

Chris Smart, animal operations manager at Knowsley, said:

“We can’t think of a better way to mark the addition of another beautiful calf to the world’s dwindling southern white rhino population than to celebrate motherhood with our Mother’s Day free day out offer.

“We’re sure they’ll love the rhinos and the multitude of other animals and activities the safari has to offer.”

The new arrival has a snooze next to her mother Bayami. Credit: Knowsley Safari/PA

And if you fancy getting up close and personal with the world’s second largest animal, Knowsley Safari has launched new Rhino Experiences where families can step into the boots of an animal keeper.

Knowsley’s Safari Drive provides a natural open space for the rhino, with the added benefit of a state-of-the-art house. The landscape is capable of supporting two separate crashes allowing females to move between different territories just as they would in the wild.

To book a Knowsley Safari Rhino Experience or general admission tickets please visit knowsleysafari.co.uk. Rhino Experiences are available to adults and children aged eight years and over and take place on Wednesdays and Saturdays throughout the year. Experiences are subject to availability and must be booked in advance. Experiences start from £199 for two people.