A wild welcome: New rhino calf born at Knowsley Safari

Knowsley Safari is thrilled to announce the arrival of Kamari, a seven-week-old female Southern White Rhino calf, born to nine-year-old mum Bayami. Meaning moonlight in Swahili, Kamari marks an important role in the conservation of this near-threatened species.

Born on 20th November 2025, Kamari is a healthy, confident calf, weighing an estimated 40–60kg at birth, typical for her species. According to her keepers, she’s doing brilliantly, walking, feeding from mum and enjoying bursts of energy as she runs around her pen before settling down for naps. Bayami is proving to be a gentle and attentive mum, guiding Kamari to feed, and keeping a watchful eye as her calf explores.

Kamari is the second calf for her 16-year-old dad, Pembe. The last rhino calf born at Knowsley Safari was Bindi in February 2024, following Amara in October 2022. With three Southern White Rhino calves in five years, taking the crash to ten, Knowsley Safari continues to play an important role in the conservation of Southern White Rhino.

The species originates from South Africa and remains under threat in the wild, due to poaching. Every birth is a vital contribution to the global effort to protect these incredible animals.

Kamari isn’t visible on the Safari Drive just yet, due to the wet and cold weather, however visitors may catch a glimpse of her and Bayami in their outdoor yards on dry milder days. For now, Kamari’s enjoying life behind the scenes, greeting her keepers, mock charging, and showing off her bold personality.

Lindsay Banks, ungulates team manager at Knowsley Safari, says: "We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Kamari to our crash. She’s already showing a confident and playful personality, which is fantastic to see at such an early stage. Every rhino birth is a huge achievement for conservation, and we’re proud to be contributing to the survival of this incredible species."

Knowsley Safari’s commitment to rhino conservation extends beyond its own crash. The Safari actively supports Helping Rhinos, a charity dedicated to protecting rhinos and their habitats in the wild. Through this partnership, the Safari contributes to vital projects that safeguard the future of rhino populations globally, tackling threats such as poaching and habitat loss.

Knowsley Safari’s rhino crash benefits from two expansive paddocks spanning 60-acres, enhancing social dynamics and supporting breeding success, making Knowsley a key contributor to rhino conservation.

Learn more about Kamari and Knowsley Safari’s conservation work at:
www.knowsleysafari.co.uk.