A SOUTHERN White Rhino is celebrating her first Mother’s Day with her new calf at Knowsley Safari.

Knowsley Safari has announced that Bayami gave birth to her female calf at 11.32am on Monday, February 12 and mother and baby are doing well.

Southern white rhino have been brought back from the brink of extinction yet are still under threat from poaching in South Africa and the current white rhino population is around 17,000 – so the birth at Knowsley Safari is extra special.

In celebration of birth and motherhood, Knowsley Safari has launched a new offer to run over Saturday, March 9, and Sunday, March 10, which will allow one adult per car to enjoy the safari free of charge when they’re with a full-paying child.

After having all her checks, the calf will hopefully be out on the safari drive in the coming weeks as we move into warmer spring weather.

Mother and father – Bayami and Shaka - recently found fame on Channel 4’s hit TV series Secret Life of the Safari Park, which aired on TV in January and February of this year.

In episode six, filmed back in Autumn 2022, viewers saw sire Shaka attempting to mate with Bayami. What viewers didn’t find out is that it was a success, and the birth has come after a 16-month pregnancy.

Chris Smart, Animal Operations Manager at Knowsley Safari, also starred in the six-part series with the white rhinos. She said: “We can’t think of a better way to mark the addition of another beautiful calf to the world’s dwindling southern white rhino population than to celebrate motherhood with our Mother’s Day free day out offer.

"We’re sure they’ll love the rhinos and the multitude of other animals and activities the safari has to offer.”

To treat Mum to a safari adventure on Saturday 9 or Sunday March 10 book here. One adult in every car can enjoy a free safari trip alongside one full-paying child.