Rhinos arrive at safari park as another leaves

Two new rhinos have arrived at a safari park as another member of the herd prepares to leave.

Granville, a five-year-old male, moved to Woburn Safari Park, Bedfordshire, on 20 August and three-year-old female Azeeza arrived later that day from Safari Zoo Cumbria.

But the keepers are preparing to say goodbye to Bonnie, Granville's aunt and a "much loved" member of the herd, who is moving to West Midlands Safari Park.

Keeper Zack Turner said: "It's always sad to see any of our animals go, especially Bonnie. 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 rhino, with the introduction of Granville, is something that excites us all," he added.

To ensure a smooth transition for Bonnie, the safari park keepers have spent training time with her, making sure she feels comfortable and at ease for her journey.

The process has involved using the crate as a tunnel between the house and the sand yard, which has helped her become familiar and comfortable with it in the weeks leading up to the move.

Southern white rhinos are classified as "near threatened" due to poaching and habitat loss in the wild.

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