Indian Rhino Calf Survives Rare Breech Birth at UK Safari

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A rare Indian rhino calf was born in a dangerous breech position at West Midlands Safari Park—would mother and baby survive?

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Veterinary nurse Sarah Smith spotted the emergency: "We saw back feet visible, telling us we had an abnormal delivery."

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The team quickly applied calving ropes to assist 13-year-old mother Sunanda through what's often a fatal complication for both mom and calf.

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Against all odds, the female calf emerged alive on May 6, 2025, becoming only the second successful Indian rhino birth in the park's 52-year history.

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We were fighting to save Sunanda at this point," Smith said, "but we were all truly delighted to see the calf was in fact alive and moving.

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How did a species with only 200 individuals left in the early 1900s bounce back to 4,000 today?

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This birth marks the first Indian rhino born in the European breeding program in 15 months—a crucial addition for a species still listed as "Vulnerable."

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Despite recovery efforts, wild Indian rhinos face constant threats from poaching—all for horns made of the same material as human fingernails

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The new calf joins three other Indian rhinos at the park and will receive a name starting with "N" following the park's 2025 naming tradition.

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Want to see this miracle baby? Visitors might catch glimpses of mother and calf in their outside paddock during suitable weather conditions.

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