@guardian: Rhinos have, for more than a century, been hunted and poached for their horns, which are sold in illegal wildlife markets, and the species is critically endangered, meaning there is a very high chance of it becoming extinct in the wild. But, a UK wildlife park has now welcomed a rare black baby rhino for the first time in its history, which could have a significant impact on international conservation efforts to protect the species. The male calf, who already weighs 73 kilos, arrived at Yorkshire Wildlife Park (YWP), in Doncaster, on 16 January – with the zoo allowing him to explore the outdoor reserve this week. His mother, Najuma, who was pregnant for 15 months before giving birth, first began showing early signs of pregnancy over a year ago and rangers continually monitored her. The seven-year-old and the new arrival’s father, Makibo, eight, joined the wildlife park in 2018 as part of an international breeding programme. Director of animals at YWP, Dr Charlotte MacDonald, said: “Every birth is a milestone in our global conservation efforts. The aim is to ensure we are in a position to increase re-introductions into the wild. Video: @Yorkshire Wildlife Park #rhino #wildlife #conservation #animals #criticallyendangered #blackrhino

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Thursday 08 February 2024 16:43:01 GMT