Rhino Conservation Success at Yorkshire Wildlife Park Resort

The birth of a rare Eastern Black Rhino at Yorkshire Wildlife Park has become the catalyst for a fund-raising campaign to help save the endangered species. The arrival of baby Rocco in January, who can be seen at the award-winning park’s rhino reserve, was a significant moment in the European breeding programme for the species whose numbers have dropped to below 1,000 in the wild.

A New Hope: Baby Rocco

Rocco's birth has sparked awareness in the plight of Eastern Black Rhinos and the park’s Wildlife Foundation is organizing an appeal in his honor to provide vital funding. This campaign aims to support a young rhino calf named Bella and aid other rhinos at the Ol Jogi Conservancy in Kenya.

Bella’s Rescue and Recovery

Bella’s story is one of resilience and dedicated care. She was attacked by a predator, sustaining infected wounds and suffering from severe dehydration, which left her unable to walk. After being rescued, Bella was hand-raised by the staff at Ol Jogi Conservancy.

Following months of critical care and treatment for her infections, Bella made a remarkable recovery. She has now grown into a healthy one-year-old, weighing 226 kilograms. The team at Ol Jogi hopes to reintegrate her into the wild population in two years' time.

The Role of Ol Jogi Conservancy

The Ol Jogi Conservancy in Kenya spans 58,000 acres, providing a safe habitat for indigenous and critically endangered species. It is home to a healthy population of 100 rhinos and operates an influential breeding programme. This effort is crucial as the species continues to face poaching threats, which have reduced their numbers from 70,000 in the wild in the 1970s.

Conservation Efforts and Collaborative Support

Yorkshire Wildlife Park’s Wildlife Foundation has a history of supporting rhino conservation at Ol Jogi. Collaborating with Save the Rhino, they have provided essential resources such as cameras to deter poachers and upgraded radios for park rangers.

Cheryl Williams, a trustee of the Wildlife Foundation, highlighted the impact of Rocco’s birth and his vibrant personality. She expressed delight at the funds being raised to help save the species, emphasizing the emotional story of Bella’s rescue and recovery.

Raising Awareness and Funds

The appeal funds will go towards supporting Bella and other rhinos at Ol Jogi. Jamie Gaymer, Conservation Manager at Ol Jogi, expressed gratitude for the support, acknowledging the critical role of organizations like Yorkshire Wildlife Park in raising awareness and facilitating conservation efforts.

Harrison College in Doncaster is partnering with the Foundation and Yorkshire Wildlife Park to support the challenge. Students are raising funds at events such as the St Leger Festival and spreading awareness through their Rocco roadshow in primary schools in the area.

How to Contribute

Visitors to Yorkshire Wildlife Park can contribute to the cause at donation points around the park and during daily ranger talks. Donations can also be made on the park’s or Wildlife Foundation’s websites. The park invites organizations and businesses to join in supporting this vital conservation effort.

Yorkshire Wildlife Park: A Beacon for Conservation

Yorkshire Wildlife Park, the UK’s No. 1 walkthrough wildlife adventure near Doncaster, is home to more than 70 species, many of which are rare and endangered. The park continues to be a leading force in global animal conservation, making significant strides in protecting endangered species like the Eastern Black Rhino.