Yorkshire Wildlife Park’s breeding pair of Eastern Black Rhinos have been reunited as part of the international breeding programme, to help secure the future of the species.

Najuma and Makibo, who are endangered Eastern Black Rhinos, were re-introduced last week at the award-winning Yorkshire Wildlife Park, which is at the heart of animal conservation.

Seven-year-old Makibo and six-year-old Najuma have lived side by side in the three-acre Into Africa reserve in Doncaster since they arrived at the park in 2018. They have had a strong bond since they first met, and are often not far from one another.

“Rhino introductions take a lot of planning, and a lot of caution. Keepers were on hand to separate the pair if they began to fight, but the mix went incredibly well. Makibo was at first cautious, slowly approaching Najuma so as not to intimidate her, but within minutes the two were eating browse side by side.

"Najuma initiated a sparring match, and there was some playful chasing, but the pair appeared to be enjoying one another’s company. When the pair were mixed in 2021, Najuma was always the dominant one, starting sparring matches and chases, and it is nice to see this is still the case. We are very lucky that Makibo is so gentle with her and loves her company. Future interactions are likely to follow suit and visitors are likely see chasing or playful sparring matches when the pair are together (or if Makibo had his own way, they would spend most of the day napping next to one another!) ” said Senior Hoofstock Ranger Beth Phethean.

Video provided by Yorkshire Wildlife Park.