Cotswold Wildlife Park Celebrates Birth of Rare White Rhino Calf

Cotswold Wildlife Park has announced the birth of a female white rhino calf named Mo, born to Ruby, a 19-year-old white rhino, marking a significant achievement in captive breeding. This event occurred earlier than expected, making Mo the thirteenth rhino born at the park in the past twelve years and the second white rhino calf born in the UK in 2025. The park's curator, Jamie Craig, emphasized the dedication of the keepers, stating, "To have such a successful record breeding this incredible species is down to our team of dedicated keepers."

White rhino calf born at Cotswold Wildlife Park takes first stepsSwindon AdvertiserCotswold Journal

Historically, white rhinos faced near extinction, with fewer than 50 individuals remaining in the early 1900s. Conservation efforts have since increased their population, making them the most common of the five rhino species. However, poaching remains a critical threat, driven by demand for rhino horn in traditional medicine markets, particularly in China and the Far East. Currently, three rhino species—black, Javan, and Sumatran—are classified as critically endangered.

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Mo's birth was captured on camera by conservation officer Bethan Peacock, a rare occurrence as rhinos typically give birth at night. Just thirty minutes after her arrival, Mo was seen taking her first steps with encouragement from her mother. She will remain with Ruby for at least two years, benefiting from maternal protection during her early development. Mo has already been engaging visitors with her playful antics in the paddock.

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The successful birth of Mo is particularly noteworthy as it contributes to the park's record of breeding white rhinos. With the addition of Mo, Cotswold Wildlife Park now houses nine rhinos, the highest number in its 55-year history. The park collaborates with the UK charity Tusk to support conservation efforts in Africa, having raised over £120,000 for this cause in the past decade.

White rhino calf born at Cotswold Wildlife Park takes first steps

Despite the positive developments, concerns persist regarding the broader implications of rhino conservation. Critics highlight the ongoing threat of poaching and the challenges of maintaining genetic diversity in captive breeding programs. The demand for rhino horn continues to pose a significant risk to the species' survival.

White rhino calf born at Cotswold Wildlife Park takes first steps

Cotswold Wildlife Park's management has expressed pride in their breeding success. Jamie Craig remarked, "A paddock full of rhino is a great sight and the new arrivals are certainly keeping the team on their toes." The park encourages visitors to witness the new calf and her mother daily from 10 am to 4 pm.

White rhino calf born at Cotswold Wildlife Park takes first steps

• “To have such a successful record breeding this incredible species is down to our team of dedicated keepers.” — Jamie Craig, Curator and Managing Director, Cotswold Wildlife Park

White rhino calf born at Cotswold Wildlife Park takes first steps

• “It’s been a remarkable year for the rhino family.” — Cotswold Wildlife Park Spokesperson

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• “The calf is described as confident and energetic, often entertaining visitors with playful charges across the paddock, including towards her half-brother Markus.” — Cotswold Wildlife Park Staff

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The birth of Mo represents a hopeful milestone in the conservation of white rhinos, reflecting both the successes and ongoing challenges faced in wildlife preservation.

White rhino calf born at Cotswold Wildlife Park takes first steps