Animal park welcomes adorable black baby rhino

An animal park has welcomed the birth of an endangered black baby rhino.

The fourth generation three week-old male calf was born at Port Lympne Reserve, in Kent, on Friday and weighed 32 kg.

Staff at Port Lympne Reserve which is dedicated to breeding endangered species, said they were "thrilled" with the birth but they have yet to decide on a name for the newborn.

Director Simon Jeffery said: "He's strong, healthy, playful and curious.

"It won't be long now, before he's ready to venture outside.

"The birth is particularly significant for us, as his mother, grandmother and great grandmother were all born here, which means that we are actively helping to save and protect these incredible animals."

The park, which works with conservation charity The Aspinall Foundation, was visited by Prince William in 2012 when they helped three black rhinos back into the wild.

Two of the rhinos have since successfully given birth in the wild at their home on a protected reserve in Tanzania.

Mr Jeffrey added: "This youngster is not only significant for us but also for the species.

"Black rhinos are critically endangered and have been teetering on the brink of extinction in the wild as they are poached for their horns, which fetch colossal amounts on the black market in Asia."

Additional reporting by Press Association