Keepers at Whipsnade Zoo are celebrating after welcoming this giant bundle of joy – rhino calf Mazinda.

He is the 61st southern white rhino calf to be born at the zoo since a vital conservation programme for the species began in 1970.  

Mazinda was born on November 1, weighing in at around 40kg – 11 times heavier than the average human baby.

And keepers named him in tribute to the first southern white rhino to be born in Europe, at Whipsnade Zoo, in 1971.

A herd of white rhinos had arrived at the zoo in 1970 – all the way from South Africa, following an agreement with the Natal Parks Board to help safeguard the threatened species.

Mark Holden, hoofstock team leader at Whipsnade Zoo, explained: "Whipsnade’s wide-open space and expertise in conservation breeding made it the ideal place to establish the programme. Unbeknownst to keepers at the time, one of the females was already pregnant, and on 24 June 1971 she gave birth to the original Mazinda – the first white rhino calf born in Europe.

“We’re delighted to now welcome a new calf to Whipsnade Zoo, and mum Fahari is proving to be the perfect parent. The little one has stayed close by mum's side in the rhino barn since birth and has been growing stronger and more confident every day."

Southern white rhinos were once on the brink of extinction, with their wild population reduced to around 20 individuals in South Africa by the late 19th century. Although numbers have recovered significantly, white rhinos continue to face threats including poaching and habitat loss, with the latest estimates placing the wild population at around 17,500 across Africa.

Southern white rhino calf Mazinda born at Whipsnade Zoo with mum Fahari. Picture: Johnny Green/ZSL

Mark added: “The first Mazinda was a trailblazer for her species, being the first white rhino born in Europe. Now, more than 50 years later as ZSL, the conservation charity which runs Whipsnade Zoo, celebrates its 200th anniversary year, we're honouring this important birth by naming the calf in recognition of a significant part of Whipsnade’s conservation legacy.

“Mazinda is a very inquisitive calf who already loves exploring his surroundings. Rhino calves take some time to grow into their large hooves, so it’s been fun to watch him totter around and test his balance. We can’t wait to watch him zoom around the grassy green paddocks at Whipsnade, just like his namesake did more than 50 years ago.”

Visitors hoping to help celebrate the new arrival will be able to see Mazinda with his mum, as they continue to enjoy important bonding time together inside Whipsnade Zoo’s cosy rhino barn.  