IN celebration of a new rhino calf being born at Knowsley Safari Park, one adult in each car goes FREE with a full-paying child this Mother’s Day.

With Mother’s Day on Sunday, March 10 will be an extra special day for one new mum at Knowsley Safari as southern white rhino, Bayami, celebrates the day for the very first time after giving birth to her new calf.

Knowsley Safari has announced that the female calf, was born at 11.32am on Monday, February 12 and mother and baby are doing well.

St Helens Star: Baby rhino and mum ByamiBaby rhino and mum Byami (Image: Chapman Poole)

Southern white rhino have been brought back from the brink of extinction yet are still under threat from poaching in South Africa and the current white rhino population is around 17,000 - so the birth at Knowsley Safari is extra special. Knowsley Safari has one of the largest white rhino crashes in the UK, and their breeding helps to protect this rare and vulnerable species.

In celebration of birth and motherhood, Knowsley Safari has launched a new offer to run over Saturday, March 9 and Sunday, March 10, which will allow one adult per car to enjoy the safari free of charge when they’re with a full-paying child. It means mum could be treated to a wild adventure or even given the day off for dad to spoil the kids instead.

After having all her checks, the calf will hopefully be out on the safari drive in the coming weeks as we move into warmer spring weather. Knowsley’s Safari Drive provides a natural open space for the rhino, with the added benefit of a state-of-the-art house. The landscape can support two separate crashes allowing females to move between different territories just as they would in the wild.

Mother and father – Bayami and Shaka - recently found fame on Channel 4’s hit TV series Secret Life of the Safari Park, which aired on TV in January and February of this year.

In episode six, filmed back in Autumn 2022, viewers saw sire Shaka attempting to mate with Bayami.

What viewers didn’t find out is that it was a success, and the birth has come after a 16-month pregnancy.

St Helens Star: Baby rhino and mum ByamiBaby rhino and mum Byami (Image: Knowsley Safari)

Chris Smart, Animal Operations Manager at Knowsley Safari, also starred in the six-part series with the white rhinos. She said: “We can’t think of a better way to mark the addition of another beautiful calf to the world’s dwindling southern white rhino population than to celebrate motherhood with our Mother’s Day free day out offer.

“We’re sure they’ll love the rhinos and the multitude of other animals and activities the safari has to offer.”

To treat mum to a safari adventure on Saturday, March 9 or Sunday, March 10 all you have to do is book online.

One adult in every car can enjoy a free safari trip alongside one full-paying child.

To find our more information visit https://www.knowsleysafariexperience.co.uk/events/mothers-day