Woburn Safari Park has announced the arrival of two new Southern White rhinos, Granville and Azeeza, as they prepare to bid farewell to Bonnie, a much-loved resident rhino. The new additions arrived on August 20, with Granville, a five-year-old male, coming from West Midlands Safari Park, while Azeeza, a three-year-old female, was transported from Safari Zoo Cumbria.
Granville, known for his friendly disposition and affinity for human interaction, is expected to settle in well with the existing rhino herd. His curious nature was evident even as a baby, when he would approach the giraffes in his previous mixed species home. Woburn’s 42-acre reserve offers an environment where Granville can integrate with other resident animals, including ostriches, cattle, and eland antelopes.
Azeeza, born on February 8, 2021, is described as strong and confident, characteristics reflected in her name, which means “Strong, Powerful, and Dear.” She has always been larger than her sister, displaying a natural curiosity towards her father. Keepers anticipate that Azeeza’s spirited personality, marked by a hint of stubbornness inherited from her mother, will add to the dynamics of the herd.
While excitement surrounds the new arrivals, the park is also preparing to say goodbye to Bonnie, who has been a significant presence since her arrival in 2021. As Granville’s aunt, Bonnie has left a lasting impression on both staff and visitors. She will be relocating to West Midlands Safari Park, where she will embark on a new chapter in her life.
Keeper Zack Turner expressed mixed emotions regarding Bonnie’s departure. “It’s always sad to see any of our animals go, especially Bonnie. She’s a fantastic rhino and has so much personality,” he said. Despite the sadness, Turner highlighted the importance of introducing Granville into the breeding programme, as Southern White rhinos face considerable challenges in the wild due to poaching and habitat loss. He noted that establishing a breeding group at Woburn would be a positive step towards conservation efforts.
To ensure Bonnie’s transition to her new home is as smooth as possible, keepers have invested significant time in training her. This preparation involved familiarising her with a crate used as a tunnel between her house and the sand yard, helping her feel comfortable ahead of the move.
Thanks to this careful training, Bonnie made her journey to West Midlands Safari Park with confidence. The arrival of Granville and Azeeza brings renewed hope for breeding initiatives for this endangered species at Woburn, as they are classified as ‘Near Threatened.’
The park’s commitment to conservation is further underscored by the arrival of these new rhinos, highlighting the role of zoos and safari parks in protecting wildlife and contributing to breeding programmes aimed at safeguarding the future of Southern White rhinos.
As the park welcomes Granville and Azeeza, they remain dedicated to ensuring a nurturing environment for these magnificent creatures, fostering both their well-being and conservation efforts.