West Midland Safari Park is home to a herd of southern white rhinos, including a newborn female calf named Malaika. Born on January 11, 2024, Malaika is the sixth baby white rhino to be born at the park in the last eight years, marking another success for the park’s involvement in a collaborative European breeding programme. Southern white rhinos are classified as ‘near threatened’ by the IUCN, with approximately 16,000 individuals remaining in the wild.
The Rhino Lodge: An Immersive Experience
The park offers a unique opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures up close. The Rhino Lodge is the only overnight experience with white rhinos in the UK, allowing guests to enjoy breathtaking views of the rhinos from their lodge’s balcony. The two-storey lodges sleep six people and provide an open-plan living space with a secluded chill-out nest, a kitchenette, and a balcony offering ground-level views of the rhinos.
The Rhino Rollercoaster: Thrilling Ride with Rhino Views
In addition to the Rhino Lodge, the park features the Rhino Rollercoaster, a thrilling attraction designed by Vekoma. The rollercoaster offers a single train with eight cars, accommodating 16 riders at a time. The rollercoaster has a length of 1099.1 ft, a height of 42.7 ft, a speed of 28.5 mph, and features a booster wheel lift hill. To ride the rollercoaster, guests need a wristband or 2 ride tickets, with height requirements of a minimum of 1.2m tall, or 1.0m tall if accompanied.
Visiting West Midland Safari Park
The park is open daily, with admission charges varying depending on the time of year and whether tickets are booked online in advance. For the most up-to-date information on costs, timings, rates, and values, it is recommended to visit the park’s official website or contact them directly at +44 1299 402114.
Conservation Efforts at the Park
West Midland Safari Park is actively involved in a collaborative European breeding programme for southern white rhinos, which are classified as ‘near threatened’ by the IUCN. The park’s success in breeding these magnificent creatures, including the recent birth of Malaika, is a testament to their commitment to conservation.
Unique Experiences and Attractions
In addition to the Rhino Lodge and Rhino Rollercoaster, West Midland Safari Park offers a variety of other unique experiences and attractions for visitors. These include:
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Drive-through Safari: Guests can embark on a self-guided tour through the park’s expansive safari, where they can observe a wide range of wildlife, including lions, tigers, and elephants, from the comfort of their own vehicles.
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Twilight Zone: The park’s Twilight Zone offers a unique after-dark experience, where visitors can explore the park’s nocturnal animals and enjoy a range of evening activities.
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Seal Cove: Visitors can observe the park’s colony of seals and sea lions, and even participate in interactive feeding sessions.
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Penguin Cove: The park’s Penguin Cove is home to a colony of Humboldt penguins, where visitors can learn about these fascinating creatures and their conservation.
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Adventure Theme Park: The park’s Adventure Theme Park features a range of thrilling rides and attractions, including roller coasters, water rides, and family-friendly experiences.
Conclusion
West Midland Safari Park is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in wildlife conservation and unique experiences. With its herd of southern white rhinos, including the newborn calf Malaika, the park offers a rare opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures up close. Whether you choose to stay in the Rhino Lodge, ride the Rhino Rollercoaster, or explore the park’s other attractions, West Midland Safari Park is sure to leave a lasting impression.