Congratulations to South Lakes Wild Animal Park on the arrival of another baby rhino on the 17th November 2011. White Rhinoceros Ntombi gave birth to a very rare, very special (and very cute) calf .
The calf is to be named Indiana after David Gill’s young son and for everyone at the park it was one of the most amazing experiences to see this little calf born then watch mum give a loving lick then it was not long with a little encouragement from mum the calf made its first tentative, if not wobbly, steps.
Mum Ntombi arrived in the park from a private breeding reserve in South Africa in September 2003 and since then has been inseparable from 10 year old Male Mazungu. It has been a long waiting game since pregnancy was confirmed in 2010 (after pregnancy testing) as the gestation period is between 15-16 months – but now the wait is over.
Park Director David Gill said “This is another important birth in the whole history of the park, White Rhinos are such an Endangered species and this park prides itself in being at the forefront of conservation all over the world.
“Very few establishments breed White Rhinos, we are being told there were only 6 births within Europe last year and only 1 zoo in the UK. Which makes it even more amazing to think we had 2 calves born in 2008 and now this latest arrival Indiana in Cumbria.
Visitors to the park this weekend will be able to view mum and baby. As last winter entrance from 1st November through until 10th February is free of charge.
For more information please visit www.wildanimalpark.co.uk
