Hereford Voice Posted September 11, 2020 Report Share Posted September 11, 2020 West Midland Safari Park are thrilled to announce the birth of their first Indian rhinoceros calf. Arriving on Tuesday 8th September at 2:29pm, the male calf, is the first Indian rhino to be born on site in the Park’s forty-seven-year history.Deputy Head Keeper of Ungulates, Shelley Tudor, said Quote "We are absolutely delighted and have been waiting a long time for this moment. After holding this species of rhino for over ten years, this is our first calf to be born at the Park.” “We acquired Seto and Rap as youngsters and have been able to watch them grow and mature over time; which makes it even more momentous to see them produce their own calf. He is a very special addition to the Asian rhino House, and we look forward to watching him develop, and maybe go on to produce his own little rhinos in the future!" The rhino calf’s parents, eleven-year-old Seto and twelve-year-old Rap, can often be spotted by guests at the Asiatic section of the drive-through Safari, near to the state-of-the-art Indian rhino House built at the Park in 2009. Both Seto and her calf are bonding well together in a private area where keepers can observe them at a safe distance as they settle in. Also known as the Greater One Horned rhinoceros, Indian rhinos are placid animals who are often recognised for their armoured and prehistoric appearance. The new arrival is not currently available for viewing, but he will eventually join his family at the Wild Asia section of the reserve where guests will be able to spot him roaming the plains and having lots of fun, likely covered in mud! The Park is home to two types of rhinos – six Southern White rhinos and three Asian rhinos. Both species face threats in the wild such as poaching and habitat loss and are classed as ‘near threatened’ (white rhino) and ‘vulnerable’ (Asian rhino), by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. The calf is currently un-named, but the Park can reveal it will begin with the letter ‘I’ mirroring the naming of all other animals born on-site in 2020. It’s clear to see already that he will have a lasting impact on West Midland Safari Park, in supporting their efforts in raising awareness of the vital preservation of this fantastic species. West Midland Safari Park is fully open, and the Indian rhino can be seen as part of the four-mile safari. Admission prices are £24.00 for adults, £20.00 for children aged 3-15 years and £22.00 for concessions. Children under the age of three are free. Admission includes a summer Free Return Visit. Rides for the Adventure Theme Park are charged extra. Further information about West Midland Safari Park is available from the Park’s website www.wmsp.co.uk or by telephone 01299 402114. Find out more on the Safari Park’s official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/WestMidSafari. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hereford Voice Posted September 11, 2020 Author Report Share Posted September 11, 2020 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Victor Wright Posted September 13, 2020 Report Share Posted September 13, 2020 Wow! This is brilliant news Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ragwert Posted September 17, 2020 Report Share Posted September 17, 2020 A face only a mother could love Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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