WEST Midland Safari Park's newest arrival, Indian rhino calf Inesh, was treated to a spooky surprise to celebrate his first Halloween.
Seven weeks ago, Inesh was the first Indian rhino to be born on-site and is one of four Indian rhinos residing at the park.
Keepers got into the Halloween spirit over half-term, adding two surprise pumpkins into the youngster’s large grassy paddock, which Inesh has been venturing into for the first time this week as he starts to explore more of the safari alongside his mum Seto.
Although carrots and apples are usually the first choice for rhino treats, the park is currently abundant with pumpkins - part of the decorations for the annual Spooky Spectacular event, which is running until Sunday, November 1.
With over 1,100 pumpkins used as part of this year’s event - and to save them going to waste - keepers often swap to pumpkins treats for a range of animals during the Halloween season.
Senior ungulate keeper Sarah Cartwright said: “The rhinos love investigating new things so as we only have pumpkins over Halloween, it means they really enjoy them.
"Inesh had never seen one before so he was very interested in what it was.
"Once mum Seto had given the all clear and squashed it slightly by standing on it, the pumpkin was suddenly an even better treat.
The rhinos like to stand on them as it squishes them into bite-sized pieces.
“Inesh and Seto are doing really well together. She is a fantastic first-time mum, and he sticks very close by her. In the evenings, he will lay under a hay rack whilst she eats so he can have a snooze with her watching over him.
“Guests seem to be really enjoying having a rhino calf bouncing around the place and he creates quite a crowd when he's zooming around the paddocks.
"Although Inesh will never fully understand how important he is to the future of their species, we really hope that our guests get to understand just know just how special he is, and we can continue to build even more awareness of rhino conservation.”
Visitors to the park may have spotted Inesh sticking close to his mum while out on the reserve.
Now weighing approximately 95 kilograms, Inesh has been growing well and is alternating between his two paddocks, where he enjoys a run around under the watchful eye of mum.
To celebrate the spookiest of seasons, West Midland Safari Park is adorned with plenty of pumpkins and 55 illuminated scarecrows, which guests will be able to see in all their glory when they are illuminated after dark during the park’s extended opening hours during half-term.
The park is also running a competition throughout the event, giving guests a change to win an annual family pass.
Anyone looking to be in with a chance to win needs to take their picture at one of the park’s spooky locations and upload it to Instagram or the park’s Facebook page, tagging #WMSP.
Guests are also encouraged to attend in Halloween fancy dress to join in with the frightful fun.
Spooky Spectacular runs to November 1 and is included in the standard admission charge of £25 for adults, £20 for children aged three to 15 and £22 for concessions.
Children under the age of three are free of charge. Admission includes a free return visit.
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