Wildlife park to welcome six white rhinos

A wildlife park in Kent has confirmed it is ready to welcome six white rhinos.

Wingham Wildlife Park, near Canterbury, said the animals were being rehomed from South Lakes Safari Zoo in Cumbria, which closed in December 2024.

A spokesperson for Wingham said they were "delighted" to be able to offer a "loving and permanent home" to their new residents.

"Once the rhinos arrive, we will share updates on their progress, introduce each animal individually and announce when visitors will be able to see them," said a spokesperson for the wildlife park.

They added the group, which are southern white rhinos, would be housed in the new Rhino House which is currently under construction as part of its ongoing expansion project for its growing wildlife family.

Wingham said the group would become ambassadors for the park's education around conservation of African species.

In July, the park unveiled the first phase of its scheme which included new enclosures for tigers, Asiatic lions, squirrel monkeys and agoutis.

A spokesperson for Wingham said the new habitats, which double the size of its site, would improve animal welfare while giving visitors better viewing opportunities.

According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), there are just 18,000 white rhinos left and their conservation status is classified as "Near Threatened".

The organisation added that threats to the animals' population included poaching and habitat loss due to agriculture and settlement.

They are mainly found in South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Kenya.

Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, X, and on Instagram and listen to BBC Radio Kent on Sounds. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.