Knowsley Safari Park's roadhog rhino
Aug 20 2008 by Richard Down, Liverpool Daily Post
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NOT many three-week-old babies would get to play in the road and get away with it. But when the child in question is Knowsley Safari Park’s white rhino calf, Flannery, it is the drivers who are having to pay attention.
Flannery, the newest arrival at the wildlife attraction, has been showing a remarkable interest in visitors’ cars as they pass through the attraction.
In fact, he has been getting so close to the vehicles, placing him-self between them, traffic has fre-quently slowed to a snail’s pace and queues have built up as a result.
According to Safari Park general manager David Ross, mum Meru will put up with him playing on the road for a while before inter-vening and insisting – in rhino speak and actions – that he follows their own personal Green Cross Code and move back on the grass with her.
However, as soon as Meru’s back is turned, Flannery is back on the road having fun with his rhino-sized Scalextric set.
Mr Ross said: “The way Flannery seems to enjoy playing with the cars really is remarkable, and it’s prov-ing incredibly popular with visitors who are getting fantastic close-up views of the youngster – and some disapproving looks from his mum.
“This sort of behaviour is quite unusual in our experience, and could reflect the fact that there are no other young rhinos for him to play with at the moment.
“However, all that could change in the very near future as we believe one of our other cows – Winnie – could give birth at any time. Of course, that could mean we event-ually end up with two mischievous youngsters playing on the road,” added the Safari Park boss.
Flannery was born on July 28 and his arrival increased the park’s crash of rhinos to eight, including three bulls – one of whom is dad Bud – and four cows.
He was named after St Helens rugby league team star Chris Flannery, who is sponsored by the Safari Park as part of their wider support for the club.
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