Staff at West Midland Safari Park have been busy behind the scenes in a bid to make an impact on rhino conservation.

The park is home to a ‘crash’ of southern white rhinos, which are part of an EEP (European Endangered Species Programme). This is a collaboration between hundreds of European zoos to ensure the long-term survival of endangered species.

In March 2016, the park celebrated their first white rhino birth for ten years. The male calf, Ekozu, has since enjoyed four years at the Midlands attraction, but on Wednesday 15 July, staff said an emotional farewell to the cheeky youngster as he left the Park for a new life at a safari park in Germany.

Lisa Watkins, Head Keeper of Ungulates, said: “Ekozu will be greatly missed by the team who have watched him grow and taken exceptional care of him since he was born. His departure comes after a great deal of planning and a collaboration between European zoos, working towards the same goal of conserving these amazing animals. We hope that Ekozu will be a hit with the female rhinos and will eventually sire his own family.”

Now West Midland Safari Park is once again open to guests, staff hope to continue their work with rhino conservation and guests can help by making a donation to any of the donation pots around site.

West Midland Safari Park is fully open, and the rhinos can be seen as part of the four-mile safari. Admission is £24 for adults, £20 for children aged 3-15 years and £22 for concessions. Children under the age of three are free. Admission includes a summer Free Return Visit. Rides for the Adventure Theme Park are charged extra.

Visit www.wmsp.co.uk call 01299 402114 or find out more on the Safari Park’s official Facebook page www.facebook.com/WestMidSafari