THE first baby rhinoceros in 43 years has been born at Cotswold Wildlife Park.

Cotswold Wildlife Park in Burford, Oxfordshire welcomed its first ever baby rhino during the early hours of Monday, July 1.

Cotswold Wildlife Park curator Jamie Craig said that he's delighted but it's still early days for new mum Nancy and her calf: "We're all so pleased but we're trying to be cautious too. They're both very vulnerable right now.

The calf has yet to be named and as she's a unique attraction at the park the staff all currently refer to her as Baby Rhino.

First-time parents Monty and Nancy and their calf can be found in the large paddock they share with a herd of Chapman's zebras overlooking the Manor House or in their solar powered rhino house.

Nancy, who was named after Prime Minister David Cameron's daughter came to the park in 2009, travelling 11,000 kilometres from Mafunyane Game Farm in South Africa.

Females only reproduce every two-and-a-half to five years so staff at the park were delighted when as planned, Monty and Nancy successfully bred the park's first ever rhino calf.

The baby currently remains very close to her mother and both are said to be in good health.

Visitors can see the calf with her seven-year-old parents daily from 10am to 6pm, with the last entry at 4.30pm.

Visit cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk for more information.