Rhino Swap Between UK Safari Parks
Two UK safari parks have completed a rhino swap, trading a captive-born male ready to breed for a feisty female. The female, Bonnie, is now living with her sister, while the male, Granville, has moved to his new home, ready to help preserve the species.
Granville’s Genetic Importance
Granville, the male southern white rhino, is believed to have the necessary genetics to sire many healthy rhinos. Zookeepers are optimistic that this swap will contribute significantly to the preservation of the species, which remains threatened despite being the world’s most numerous rhino species.
Reuniting Sisters
Bonnie, a two-ton southern white rhino, has already arrived at West Midlands Safari Park. Granville, born in 2018 at West Midlands Park, has now moved to Woburn Safari Park in Bedfordshire. Interestingly, Granville’s mother, Ailsa, is Bonnie’s sister, meaning the swap has reunited the sisters for the first time.
A Collaborative Effort for Conservation
The two safari parks hope their collaborative efforts will help maintain the genetic diversity of the species. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) still considers the southern white rhino to be threatened, so breeding programs like this are crucial for their long-term survival.
Bittersweet Farewell
“It has been bittersweet for the team,” said Lisa Watkins, Head Zookeeper of Ungulates at West Midlands Safari Park. “We have all enjoyed watching him grow from a cute little tank running around the safari to the character he is today.” She added that while they will miss him, the hope of him becoming a father and the pride of aiding the species’ conservation makes the farewell easier.
Bonnie’s New Life at West Midlands Safari Park
Since her arrival, Bonnie has settled in well at West Midlands Safari Park and has been introduced to most of the herd. “She has been out on safari enjoying the mud wallow and meeting the other animals,” Watkins said.
Granville’s New Beginning at Woburn Safari Park
In Bedfordshire, Woburn Safari Park’s Rhino Keeper, Zack Turner, shared his feelings about Bonnie’s departure. “She’s a great rhino to work with and has so much personality. Although it’s sad to see her go, the chance to hopefully have a breeding group of rhinos with the introduction of Granville is something that excites us all.”
Turner emphasized the importance of breeding white rhinos at Woburn, considering the challenges these animals face in the wild.
Sibling Rivalry
Since settling in at West Midlands Safari Park, Bonnie has had her first meeting with her sister, Ailsa. The two immediately engaged in a brief pushing match, displaying some sibling rivalry before peacefully sharing hay together.
Bonnie and Ailsa’s Journey
Both sisters originally started life at Blair Drummond Safari Park in Scotland, which might seem like an unusual habitat for animals used to warmer climates.