A WHITE rhino at South Lakes Safari Zoo is leaving the attraction at the end of August due to his 'valuable bloodlines'.

Superdad Muzungu is father to ten rhino babies and is described by the zoo as a 'major player' in the White Rhino Breeding programme.

Due to limited space in the Cumbrian zoo's Africa facility, it cannot consider further breeding on site.

READ MORE: Safari Zoo bosses react after inspection team's 'red flags'

A post on its Facebook page said: "Whilst he will be so so missed, it would be almost criminal for him to remain here at Safari Zoo, when he can add so much to the genetic pool of captive White rhino – whose wild brothers and sisters face such an uncertain future. Therefore, Muzungu is off on his travels.

"This is a move long in the making and we are especially grateful for the opportunity for collaboration with support of the EEP White Rhino Breeding Programme, London Zoo and Whipsnade who have made this move possible."

(Image: South Lakes Safari Zoo) Muzungu will be joined on by three-year-old Little Azeeza, who is described as ready to leave her mum and go on her own journey to start her own little family - just as she would in the wild.

(Image: South Lakes Safari Zoo) Azeeza was born in February 2021, in the middle of lockdown, with her name meaning 'Strong, powerful and dear'.

The name was chosen to reflect hope and resilience 'as a light in the middle of a very dark tunnel'.

The zoo added: "A name whose meaning seems to never falter to be relevant over the last 3 years.

"Happy Travels Azeeza, you will be missed ever so much."