The arrival of baby Rocco in January, who can be seen at the award-winning park’s rhino reserve, was a significant moment in the European breeding programme for the species whose numbers have dropped to below 1,000 in the wild.

His birth has sparked awareness in their plight and the park’s Wildlife Foundation is organising the appeal in his honour to provide vital funding to support a young rhino calf called Bella and help other rhinos at the Ol Jogi Conservancy in Kenya.

The rhino calf who was later named Bella had been attacked by a predator and sustained infected wounds whilst being severely dehydrated and unable to walk. She was rescued and since then she has been hand raised by staff at the Conservancy. 

After stabilising her and treating her infections Bella remained in critical condition for many months. She but she has now made a full recovery and has now grown into a 226kg healthy one-year-old.

The team at OI Jogi hope to reintegrate her into the wild population in two years’ time.

The Ol Jogi Conservancy, in Kenya, operates across 58,000 acres providing a safe habitat for indigenous and critically endangered species. It is home to a healthy population of 100 rhinos and runs an influential breeding programme as the species continues to face poaching threats, which devastated its numbers from 70,000 in the wild in the 1970’s.

Working with Save the Rhino, the Wildlife Foundation has previously supported several projects for rhino conservation at Ol Jogi providing cameras to deter poachers and upgrading radios for park rangers at the Conservancy.

Image credit - Will Roberts

Wildlife Foundation’s Trustee Cheryl Williams said:” The birth of Rocco and his boisterous personality has sparked so much interest.

“It is wonderful so much money is being raised to help save the species on the back of it. No one can fail to be moved by how Bella was saved – and we want to fund more inspiring stories like that. It is lovely to think that Rocco is helping another young rhino less fortunate than himself. “

Appeal funds will go to supporting Bella and other rhinos at Ol Jogi.

Jamie Gaymer, Conservation Manager at Ol Jogi said “We are delighted that we were able to nurse Bella back to health and continue with our mission of preserving all Rhino species. We wouldn’t be able to achieve as much as we have if it wasn’t for organisations like Yorkshire Wildlife Park raising awareness of these issues.” 

Image credit - Will Roberts

Harrison College in Doncaster is partnering with the Foundation and YWP to support the challenge. Students are raising funds at events including the St Leger Festival and are taking their Rocco roadshow into primary schools in the area to spread awareness about rhino conservation. 

Visitors to Yorkshire Wildlife Park are able to contribute to the cause at donation points around the park as well as at the daily ranger talks or anyone can donate on the park or WildLIfe Foundation websites.

Yorkshire Wildlife Park also invites any organisations or businesses who wish to contribute to the cause. 

The park, which is the UK’s No. 1 walkthrough wildlife adventure based near Doncaster, is home to more than 70 species, many rare and endangered, and is a leading force in global animal conservation.

Image credit - Will Roberts