Woburn, United Kingdom - August 20, 2024

Woburn Safari Park has announced a significant update to its rhino family with the arrival of two new Southern White rhinos, Granville and Azeeza, while also saying goodbye to a beloved member, Bonnie, marking a poignant moment in the park's history.

Granville, a five-year-old male from West Midlands Safari Park, and Azeeza, a three-year-old female from Safari Zoo Cumbria, both arrived on August 20th. Granville, known for his amiable nature and curiosity, is expected to fit right in with the park's existing rhino herd. His previous experience in a mixed-species environment suggests he will adapt well to Woburn's 42-acre Road Safari, where he will interact with various species including ostriches, cattle, and eland antelopes.

Azeeza, whose name reflects strength and affection, has already shown signs of her robust character. Born to parents Ntombi and Muzungu, she has inherited a stubborn streak from her mother, promising to bring a dynamic presence to the park.

The departure of Bonnie, however, has been met with mixed emotions. Having arrived at Woburn in 2021, Bonnie had become a favorite among staff and visitors for her unique personality. Her move to West Midlands Safari Park was meticulously planned to minimize stress, with keepers spending weeks training her to be comfortable with the transport crate. Keeper Zack Turner expressed the bittersweet sentiment, "Bonnie has been a joy to work with, and her departure is felt deeply by all of us. Yet, we're excited about the potential for breeding with the new arrivals, contributing to the conservation of this threatened species."