In a heartening development for global wildlife conservation, a British safari park has announced the arrival of a rare southern white rhino calf, described by staff as a profound symbol of hope for the future of the species. The male calf, named Stanley, was born at Knowsley Safari in Merseyside, contributing to vital efforts to protect these near-threatened animals from extinction.
A Precious Addition to the Crash
Stanley represents the fourth southern white rhino born at the safari park in just four years, joining a thriving crash of ten rhinos, one of the largest such groups in the United Kingdom. This new arrival includes companions like three-month-old Kamari, female rhino Bindi born in February 2024, and Amara, another female born in October 2022. The calf's birth is particularly poignant given the precarious status of its cousin, the northern white rhino, which is now functionally extinct with only two females remaining worldwide.
Honouring Heritage and Commitment
The naming of the calf pays tribute to the historic Stanley family, the Earl and Countess of Derby, who own the Knowsley Estate where the safari park is located. Lord Derby of Knowsley Estate expressed deep honour at the birth, noting that having Stanley carry his family name is a touching gesture that highlights the estate's longstanding dedication to wildlife preservation. He emphasised that this event not only brings pride to Knowsley but also serves as a beacon of hope for southern white rhino conservation globally.
Expert Care and Bonding
Lindsay Banks, the ungulates team manager at Knowsley Safari, shared her excitement about Stanley's arrival, detailing how the calf is bonding well with his mother, Meru. Over the coming weeks, Stanley will be gradually introduced to the rest of the crash, allowing guests on the Safari Drive to catch a glimpse of this curious newcomer. Banks described the experience of caring for Stanley and Meru as incredibly special, having monitored Meru's pregnancy closely and now witnessing her confidently nurture a healthy calf.
"Every rhino birth is significant for the species, but when you've been hands-on with their day-to-day care, it feels especially meaningful," Banks remarked. "Stanley's already showing a strong personality, and we're excited to watch him grow and eventually join the rest of the crash here at Knowsley."
Conservation Success Story
The southern white rhino has faced dramatic population fluctuations over the years. Nearly extinct by the end of the 19th century, numbers saw a rapid increase from 1992 to 2010 due to intensive protection and translocation initiatives. Although poaching peaked in 2014, as of December 2017, an estimated 18,064 southern white rhinos remained in the wild, with the species classified as Near Threatened since 2002. Interestingly, regulated trophy hunting, legalised in 1968, has been credited with aiding recovery by incentivising landowners to boost rhino populations.
A Testament to Dedication
A spokesperson for Knowsley Safari attributed the successful births to the park's specialist team of ungulate keepers and their exceptional animal husbandry practices. The vast 550-acre habitat provides an ideal environment for the rhinos to thrive, underscoring the park's commitment to conservation. This achievement not only enhances the genetic diversity of the species but also raises awareness about the urgent need to protect rhinos from ongoing threats like habitat loss and illegal poaching.
As Stanley settles into his new home, his story resonates as a powerful reminder of the resilience of nature and the critical role that dedicated conservation efforts play in safeguarding our planet's biodiversity for generations to come.
