A NEW arrival in the region is expected to be a big draw this Easter – and will help protect one of the world’s most endangered species.

The Selous Black Rhino Reserve at Flamingo Land, near Pickering in North Yorkshire, has welcomed Baringo II to the collection.

His arrival is a strategic move recommended by the European Endangered Species Programme with the long term view of breeding with the females already in residence.

An eastern black rhinoceros, he has joined the animal collection from Dvůr Králové Zoo in the Czech Republic where he has spent the last nine years.

Zoo manager Ross Snipp said: “We are delighted to welcome Baringo to our fantastic reserve where he joins our females Chanua, Samira and Olmoti.”

Baringo II is in his prime aged 24. He has returned to the UK after being born at Port Lympne Reserve in Kent before moving to Chester Zoo and then the Czech Republic.

He has already sired four offspring - two boys and two girls - and also has two grandchildren at Dvůr Králové.

“Baringo has been settling in since he joined us on March 28 and will be available for our Easter visitors to see,” said Mr Snipp.

“He arrived just as we re-opened the entire park for our 2017 season and we are sure that he will be hugely popular with our customers.”

Visitors can discover more about the black rhinos by enjoying a keeper talk which takes place at 11.30am each day at the Selous Black Rhino Reserve.