Excitement as southern white rhinos arrive at Paignton Zoo

A pair of southern white rhinos have arrived at a Devon zoo for “the first time in decades”.

Paignton Zoo said half-brothers Khulu and Benja arrived on 5 June from Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire. The species is currently classified as near threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the zoo said.

It said 20-month-old Khulu was born to parents Fahari and Sizzle, while two-year old Benja was born on 7 March 2024 to Jaseera and Sizzle.

Lisa Britton, head of living collections, said the zoo was “incredibly excited” for the species’ return, adding that the pair spent their first 48 hours in Devon settling into their new indoor accommodation.