Rocco's Challenge reaches £10,000 target
A charity appeal inspired by the birth of baby black rhino Rocco at award winning Yorkshire Wildlife Park has raised a staggering £10,000.
23 September 2025
The Wildlife Foundation, a charity based at the park, organised the appeal titled ‘Rocco’s Challenge’ to raise money to help save one of the world's rarest large mammals.
The £10k fundraising milestone was reached just in time to be announced to mark World Rhino Day yesterday (Monday).
Cheryl Williams, Trustee of the Foundation, said:
“We are delighted to have raised this money, which will go towards the vital conservation work of the black rhino.
“This fundraising milestone has been achieved just in time for World Rhino Day, raising awareness about the threats facing rhinoceroses.
“Rocco’s birth marked a momentous occasion in the European breeding programme.
“The wild black rhino population has dwindled to fewer than 1,000 individuals, making conservation efforts an essential part of protecting this critically endangered species.
“The charity’s appeal has spotlighted the species’ plight and enabled awareness to spread even further. It is incredible how the birth of Rocco in January sparked such interest.”
The funds will support a young rhino calf called Bella and help other rhinos at the Ol Jogi Conservancy in Kenya.
Bella had been attacked by a predator and sustained infected wounds while being severely dehydrated and unable to walk.
She was rescued and has since been hand-raised by staff at the conservancy.
YWP Section Head of Hoofstock, Kyrie Birkett, said:
“Rocco is a character and a firm favourite in the park.
“It has been brilliant to see how he has helped raise so much money and support rangers in Africa as they look after Bella.
“There is still a lot more work to do to protect these magnificent creatures, and the Wildlife Foundation appreciates every donation it receives."
The Wildlife Foundation has previously worked with Save the Rhino to support several projects at Ol Jogi.
Last April, over a thousand fundraisers channelled their inner animal in the 10k Curly charity run through Yorkshire Wildlife Park, raising over £8,000 to support efforts to save critically endangered rhinos.
Harrison College in Doncaster also partnered with the Foundation and YWP to support the challenge, with students raising funds at events including the St Leger Festival.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park, which puts conservation at the heart of all its activities, offers visitors a mesmerising walk-through experience, bringing them almost face to face with some of the world’s most beautiful and at-risk species, including polar bears, giraffes and African painted dogs.
