White Rhinos return to Devon for the first time in decades
The animals will double in size as they continue to grow
A pair of southern white rhinos have arrived at Paignton Zoo - the first of a new wave of animals being added to the collection under new owners Libéma .
The half-brothers Khulu and Benjam, who arrived on Friday, will become a key part of the zoo’s new Grasslands habitat loop.
A spokesperson said: "Khulu, aged 20 months, was born at Whipsnade Zoo on 2 October 2024 to parents Fahari and Sizzle. Benja, aged two years, was born on 7 March 2024 to parents Jaseera and Sizzle.
"Although still young, both rhinos will continue growing until they reach full maturity at around 10 years of age and are currently only around 30 - 50% of the size of a fully grown adult male.
"The arrival marks the return of southern white rhinos to Paignton Zoo for the first time in decades. While the zoo has more recently housed black rhinos, the arrival of Khulu and Benja reintroduces this remarkable species to the collection.
"The pair have moved into the newly renovated Rhino House, which has undergone extensive improvements in preparation for their arrival. The rhinos will also benefit from an expanded outdoor paddock, featuring new fencing and pathways that provide increased roaming space for the animals while improving viewing opportunities for visitors.
"As this was the first move for both juvenile rhinos, additional measures were taken to ensure their comfort and wellbeing throughout the journey and introduction process.
"A keeper fromWhipsnade Zoo remained on site following the move to support the transition and sharedetailed knowledge of both animals with the Paignton Zoo team."
There's more about the zoo's transformation here