Twycross Zoo has welcomed a new arrival...Sudan, a critically-endangered male Eastern black rhino.

The two years and 10 month old travelled more than 1,200km by road and sea from Leipzig Zoo in Germany and arrived at the Atherstone zoo on Tuesday (29 Sept) afternoon.

Part of a vital European breeding programme, Sudan is essential in helping to protect the species from ultimate extinction.

He has been reunited with female rhino Nandi, who also moved to the attraction from Leipzig Zoo over a year ago.

The young male will be closely monitored by his new keepers in the coming weeks, who will be ensuring Sudan enjoys a comfortable start to life in his new residence.

Neil Dorman, curator of Twycross Zoo, said: "We're thrilled to finally welcome Sudan to Twycross Zoo and pleased that his arrival went so smoothly.

"There is a long way to go before Sudan and Nandi will be introduced to each other face-to-face, but there is no denying the significance that this will have on the conservation of the species in the long term.

"We look forward to welcoming our visitors to come and say hello to Sudan throughout October."

The story of the Eastern black rhino is both a remarkable and sad one, with the species coming close to being declared extinct in 2011 by the IUCN red list.

With illegal hunting and the demand for rhino horn rapidly increasing, the species suffered a 98 percent reduction in the 20th century.

With just 5,000 Eastern black rhinos left in the wild, the importance of zoos is paramount in protecting the species for future generations.

Dr Sharon Redrobe, CEO of Twycross Zoo, said: "Our core mission as a conservation charity and modern zoo is to protect endangered species and we are pleased to be working within a European breeding programme, which consists of over 20 zoos and wildlife parks from around the continent, to help preserve the population and maintain genetic diversity of the Eastern black rhino.

"In what has been our most challenging year yet, Sudan is definitely the good news we've all been waiting for and we look forward to our visitors meeting him from this Friday."

The zoo is hosting a Rhino Preview Event for its members' from 10am tomorrow (Fri) until 12 noon on Saturday (3 Oct), where they will get exclusive access to see Sudan in his new home.

From noon on Saturday all Twycross Zoo visitors will be able to say a socially-distanced hello to the precious arrival.

In line with Government coronavirus guidance, visitors will experience some changes to their day out at Twycross Zoo and will need to book their admission online in advance.