Knowsley rhinos head out into big wide world

The paddocks at Knowsley Safari Park are echoing to the sound of not-so-tiny feet.

The attraction's trio of big babies - the three white rhino calves born during the winter - have been let out into their 100-acre enclosure for the first time after being confined to barracks during the colder weather.

Now Troy, Rosie and Bugo are finding out all about life in the big wide world, and meeting the other animals that share their area of the park including forest buffalo, ostriches, eland antelopes and American bison.

However, mums Piglet, Winnie and Meru are keeping a close eye on their offspring, as well as showing them the ropes in terms of learning key life skills like the correct way to take a mud bath.

The rhino births were a major coup for the Merseyside safari park. Knowsley is the only place in the UK - and probably Europe as well - where three calves of this age can be seen together.

General Manager David Ross said: "The births of three rhinos in a matter of weeks was fantastic news for all the dedicated staff here at the park.

"It helps to reinforce Knowsley's growing reputation as a European hotspot in terms of breeding this iconic species."

Bull calf Troy was the first to arrive at the end of November. He has already become something of a media star, after being named by the winner of a competition on ITV¹s Daybreak breakfast show with Adrian Chiles and Christine Bleakley.

The winning entry was announced by no less a personage that actress Dame Helen Mirren.

Troy was followed by Rosie who was born at the end of December and Bugo who made his debut in mid-January.

Despite being born into a distinctly un-African environment - Britain¹s coldest winter for years - keepers have been delighted at the progress of all three calves.

And the Safari Park has also marked the births in a practical way by selecting Save the Rhino International as its nominated charity for the summer season.

This London-based organisation works to conserve viable populations of the critically endangered species of rhino in Africa and Asia.

David Ross added: "The arrival of these three calves is a real feather in Merseyside's cap - Knowsley is the only wildlife park in the country where visitors can see this fantastic sight.

"Without doubt, Troy, Rosie and Bugo will prove to be one of the outstanding highlights of what is our 40th anniversary year."

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