A RHINO calf has been born at a Scottish safari park.
After a 16-month pregnancy the female calf was born at Blair Drummond Safari Park at around 11:30 on Monday morning.
She is the sixth calf of rhino couple Dot and Graham, who are both 22 years old.
Southern white rhinos are classified as "near threatened" on International Union for the Conservation of Nature red list of endangered species.
They have recovered from an estimated population of less then 100 in 1895 to around 18,000 today, and are the only of the five rhino species not classified as "endangered".
Operations manager at Blair Drummond Safari Park Dave Warren said: "The birth was very straightforward, from her waters breaking to delivering the calf took less than two hours, we were slightly anxious as she came back legs first but there were no complications.
"It was such a privilege to be on-hand to witness the birth.
"All our keepers at Blair Drummond are fantastic, and the large mammal team should be unbelievably proud of their achievements.
"They provided everything for Dot, leaving me with the fortunate job of taking photographs of our lovable new calf.”
The calf is as yet unnamed and suggestions are being welcomed by the park over social media.
Large mammal keeper Shonagh Bell added: “We are delighted to welcome the latest addition to our family.
"As an experienced mother, Dot has quickly adapted to being a mum again, and the calf is already up and about.
"We are so proud of the work we do to safeguard the future of this iconic species and adding another little one to their number feels amazing.
"Here at the park, we are part of the EAZA Endangered Species Breeding Program, an initiative designed to expand and maintain healthy rhino populations.
"Through this program, Dot and Graham have previously produced five calves who are now playing their part to ensure the continuation of their species in safari parks and zoos across Europe.”
The other subspecies of white rhino – the northern white rhino – is classified as functionally extinct, with only two known individuals left in the world (both of which are female).
