A heartwarming event has taken place at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park in Doncaster - the birth of a baby black rhino. This rare and critically endangered species is facing numerous challenges, making every successful birth a cause for celebration. The calf, born to mother Najuma, is a significant addition to the park and the international conservation efforts aimed at protecting these magnificent animals.
The three-week-old black rhino calf arrived in January, weighing an impressive 11st 7lbs (73kg). Initially, the newborn spent its early days in the rhino house, bonding with its mother. Recently, the park rangers made the decision to introduce the calf to the three-acre Into Africa! reserve, where it could experience the outdoors for the first time while staying close to Najuma.
Najuma, who is seven years old, showed remarkable patience during her 15-month pregnancy. She and the father, Makibo, who is eight, were brought to the Yorkshire Wildlife Park in 2018 as part of an international breeding program specifically designed to save the critically endangered black rhino.
According to Hoofstock Ranger Beth Phelan, the calf has inherited his mother's voracious appetite: 'His mum is probably the biggest eater in the house, in terms of rhinos, and he’s picked that up immediately.' She also shared that the calf exhibits toddler-like behavior, putting pretty much anything edible in its mouth, despite not having teeth yet.
The energetic youngster shows no signs of slowing down, always on the move, even during his mother's resting hours. Phelan explains, 'When she is sleeping, generally that’s the time that he’s running round the pen, he’s jumping on her, trying to wake her up, bothering her.' This mischievous behavior is undoubtedly endearing to both staff and visitors alike.
Dr. Charlotte MacDonald, the YWP director of animals, believes that the newborn calf's charming personality will make it a visitor favorite. 'The newborn calf is becoming such a character,' she said. This delightful addition to the park's rhino family represents a significant milestone in their ongoing conservation efforts.
The birth of this black rhino calf is not only a cause for celebration at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park but also has global significance. Rhinos are critically endangered, and every successful birth contributes to the international breeding program aimed at increasing their numbers and, eventually, reintroducing them into the wild.
The Eastern Black Rhino, the subspecies to which this calf belongs, is the rarest among the remaining three subspecies. Their population has dwindled dramatically due to poaching for their valuable horns. Between 1970 and 1992, their numbers declined by a staggering 96%, leaving just 2,300 individuals. However, thanks to tireless conservation efforts, their population has increased to approximately 6,000.
The European Breeding Programme, which currently maintains around 100 individuals across wildlife parks and zoos, plays a pivotal role in the preservation of these magnificent creatures. Visitors to the Yorkshire Wildlife Park have generously donated funds to the Wildlife Foundation, a charitable organization based at the park. This foundation, in collaboration with Save the Rhino International and Fauna and Flora International, supports projects focused on anti-poaching measures and habitat preservation.
The birth of this black rhino calf not only brings joy to the park and its visitors but also serves as a beacon of hope for the future of this endangered species. It reminds us of the importance of conservation efforts worldwide and the need to protect these majestic creatures from the threats they face. The Yorkshire Wildlife Park, through its dedicated staff and generous supporters, continues to make significant strides in safeguarding the black rhino and ensuring its survival for generations to come.
