An extremely monumental birth took place recently that had long been anticipated due to its enormous significance. I am not talking of the recent royal arrival, but something equally important to the staff and visitors to Cotswold Wildlife Park. Their female white rhino, Nancy, gave birth to a bouncing baby girl on July 1.
The birth occurred early in the morning and keepers arrived to find an extra rhino making its first tentative steps on their paddock. After a few wobbles, she was soon following her mother and enjoying the Cotswold sunshine. The other rhinos – proud father Monty and Auntie Ruby – kept a wary distance for the first week or so but are now allowed somewhat nearer, but under a very watchful eye! The as yet unnamed rhino calf can be seen exploring her paddock with the adults and is certainly keeping Mum on her toes with her inquisitive behaviour and impressive turn of pace.
Everyone is looking forward to watching her grow over the coming years, and staff at the Park are all delighted they have broken their ‘rhino duck’ in finally breeding this iconic species, having kept rhino there for over 40 years.
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Cotswold Wildlife Park, Burford, OX18 4JP, tel: 01993 823006, www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk
