Rhino born at West Midland Safari Park named Inesh
The first Indian rhino calf to be born at West Midland Safari Park has been named Inesh – chosen by his mother Seto.
After his birth last month, the Bewdley-based attraction confirmed the male calf's name would begin with the letter 'I', mirroring the naming of all other animals born on-site in 2020.
Following much deliberation, keepers narrowed it down to two suggestions that would then be shared with Seto for her final decision. For her to choose, two identical, brightly patterned boxes, each marked with a name, were placed into her paddock. Some tasty treats were positioned in equal amounts inside each box to coax Seto over, while keepers waited to see which name she would choose.
After a quick investigation of both boxes, Seto made it clear with a nudge of her nose that the box marked with Inesh was her winner.
Shelley Tudor, deputy head keeper of Ungulates, said: "We are so happy that Seto was able to choose the name for her calf.
"The keepers created a shortlist of their favourite names and we felt it was a brilliant opportunity to mix giving some enrichment to Seto to assist us in making the final decision.”
Born on Tuesday, September 8, to 11-year-old female Seto, and 12-year-old male Rap, Inesh has been venturing out with his mother into the park’s Rhino House paddock, where guests have been able to spot him trotting around. He will eventually join his mum, roaming the plains together in the Wild Asia section of the reserve, where guests will be able to watch him grow and settle into his new home.
