We’re thrilled to share some exciting news about our extended rhino family! On the 20th of August, Bonnie, a Southern white rhino born right here at Blair Drummond Safari Park, began her new chapter at West Midlands Safari Park. This move is particularly special as it marks the first time Bonnie has ever met her sister Ailsa.
Bonnie’s arrival at West Midlands is a significant event, highlighting the ongoing success of the European breeding programme. She joins the West Midlands herd, taking the place of Granville, Ailsa’s son and Bonnie’s nephew. Granville has moved to Woburn Safari Park to start his new role as a breeding bull, contributing to the crucial work of preserving the genetic diversity of this endangered species.
Head Keeper of Ungulates at West Midlands Safari Park, Lisa Watkins, said, “Whilst we are sad to see Granville leave, the team are thrilled to have another female to join the herd. Bonnie has settled in well now and has been mixed with most members of the herd so far which has been great. She has been out on safari enjoying the mud wallow and meeting the other animals.”
Since her arrival, Bonnie has been settling in well at West Midlands, meeting Ailsa and the rest of the herd. The team report that the first encounter between the sisters was a brief but friendly pushing match, before they went off to share some hay. Bonnie is now following Ailsa’s lead in adapting to life in her new home.
The significance of this move is underscored by the fact that all of the rhinos involved are direct descendants of our pioneering breeding pair, Dot and Graham. Ailsa, born in 2009, is Dot and Graham’s second calf, while Bonnie, born in 2016, is their fifth. Their legacy continues to thrive through their offspring.
Kristine Fennessy Alexander, our Animal Collection Manager, commented on this significant move: “We are incredibly proud of the success of our Southern white rhino breeding programme at Blair Drummond Safari Park. It’s a testament to the dedication and expertise of our team and the collaborative efforts of parks across Europe. The swap of Granville and Bonnie highlights the vital role that zoos and safari parks play in the conservation of this magnificent species.
Bonnie’s move to West Midlands Safari Park, where she joins her older sister Ailsa, is a beautiful story of family ties spanning across generations. Dot and Graham, our beloved breeding pair, have been integral to this success, contributing an incredible six children, six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren to rhino conservation efforts.
We’re delighted to see our extended rhino family thriving and contributing to the genetic diversity and future of the species. We look forward to seeing the joy that Bonnie and Ailsa’s reunion will bring to visitors and to continuing our collaboration with West Midlands Safari Park and others in EAZA Ex-situ Programme (EEP).”
Southern white rhinos are classified as ‘near threatened’ by the IUCN, with around 16,000 individuals remaining in the wild. Despite their recovery from near extinction, they face ongoing threats such as poaching.
We’re excited to see Bonnie’s new journey unfold at West Midlands Safari Park and look forward to following her adventures and those of her extended rhino family. If you’re interested in witnessing this heart-warming reunion and learning more about our rhino conservation efforts, be sure to visit West Midlands Safari Park and stay updated on their website and social media!