THE latest addition to West Midland Safari Park is set to make a big entrance when the popular visitor attraction re-opens to the public this weekend.
The yet-to-be-named baby rhinoceros weighs in at 120lbs and was born to second-time mum Tootsie - a 12-year-old southern white rhino.
The park now has eight southern white rhino, three of which were born at the Bewdley park, with the latest addition set to make its debut appearance on Saturday.
Head warden Bob Lawrence said: "He's developing a wonderful character and enjoys nothing more than having his nose and ears tickled with a scrubbing brush each morning.
"He has been pampered by staff throughout the winter while the park has been closed and we can't wait to show him off to visitors when we re-open on Saturday."
Mr Lawrence added that the success of the rhino births at the park was helping to contribute to the reversal in their decline and establish the population world-wide.
But he said it was a chilling reminder that 98 per cent of the world rhino population had disappeared since the park opened in 1973.
The park re-opens for the new season on Saturday, February 11 and will remain open seven days a week until Friday, November 3.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article