Rhino born at Safari Zoo in Cumbria moved to Woburn Safari Park

Woburn Safari Park announced the arrival of two new Southern White rhinos as it prepares to bid farewell to one "much loved" member of the herd.

Granville, a five-year-old male, arrived from West Midlands Safari Park on August 20 and Azeeza, a three-year-old female, arrived later the same day from Safari Zoo.

Keepers at the Bedford zoo hope the new arrivals will breed as Southern White rhinos are classified as 'Near Threatened' due to ongoing poaching and habitat loss out in the wild.

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'.

(Image: South Lakes Safari Zoo)

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."

Alongside the arrival of the two new rhinos, keepers are preparing to say goodbye to Granville's aunt and a "much loved" member of the herd, Bonnie, as she embarks on a new adventure at West Midlands Safari Park, the Woburn Park said.

Granville, a five-year-old male Southern White rhino who arrived from West Midlands Safari Park (Image: PA)

New rhino Granville is known for his friendly nature, curiosity and confidence and is expected to settle in well with the rest of the rhino herd, according to the safari park.

Born in 2021 to mother Ntombi and father Muzungu, Azeeza is known for a stubborn streak inherited from her mother.

Keeper Zack Turner said: "It's always sad to see any of our animals go, especially Bonnie. She's a great rhino to work with and has so much personality.

"Although it's sad to see her go, the chance to hopefully have a breeding group of rhino, with the introduction of Granville, is something that excites us all.

"With white rhinos being a species that faces a lot of struggles out in the wild, breeding them here at Woburn would be a great step in the right direction for their conservation."

To ensure a smooth transition for Bonnie, the safari park keepers have spent training time with her, making sure she feels comfortable and at ease for her journey, the park said.

The process has involved using the crate as a tunnel between the house and the sand yard, which has helped her become familiar and comfortable with the crate in the weeks leading up to the move.