THE latest arrival at Knowsley Safari Park is a White Bearded Wildebeest calf called Wiggins in honour of bike riding superstar Bradley Wiggins.
Initial inspection by the park vet shows good progress and, as with most of the animals at Knowsley Safari Park, there will be no more interference other than general observation to ensure the best mother and baby bond is maintained.
The White Bearded Wildebeest originates from the short grass plains and acacia savannah of Africa. They are listed as least concern in the wild, however numbers have seen a rapid decline due to threats such as the spread of settlements and livestock, elimination of water sources, poaching for meat and the effect of migration barriers, including man-made fences and roads.
The baby wildebeest is the first calf born since new breeding bull Rufus, arrived at the park in 2011. He didn't hang about.
Jason Doherty, Rhino Section Keeper, comments: “The new bull, Rufus arrived in 2011 to introduce a new bloodline of wildebeest at Knowsley Safari Park.
“The birth of this first calf so soon after his arrival is hopefully a sign of things to come."
