Keepers at Knowsley Safari Park in Liverpool are celebrating a hat-trick of white rhino births after a third calf was born within the last two months.
The as-yet-unnamed new arrival joins half-siblings Rosie, who was born shortly before New Year and Troy, who made headlines as the first white rhino calf to be born at the attraction for two years.
The bouncing 'big baby' and her mum Meru are both doing well but will remain indoors at the rhino 'maternity unit' with the other two youngsters due to the time of year.
In 2008, 16-year-old Meru gave birth to a male calf, Flannery, who was named after St Helens rugby star Chris Flannery to mark a sponsorship tie-up between the park and the club.
Safari Park General Manager, David Ross, said: "The birth of these three calves in a matter of weeks is tremendous news for both myself and all our dedicated staff.
"It also helps to reinforce Knowsley¹s reputation as a European 'hotspot' in terms of breeding this endangered species.
"Once the warmer weather comes they¹ll be able to go out into the main paddocks, and the three 'big babies' will be a fantastic sight for all the visitors in what will be our 40th anniversary season."
The latest birth follows a mammoth gestation period which lasts from 485-515 days, around 16 months in the womb.
The white rhino - which is much larger than its black relative - is the second largest land mammal in the world after the elephant.
They can live for 40 years and when fully grown can weigh up to three tonnes.
The name of the species does not derive from the colour of the animals - they're actually grey - but from the Afrikaan word 'wijd' meaning wide which was misinterpreted as 'white' by early settlers.
The top local attraction is now regarded as a European leader in terms of breeding this rare species.
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