New baby black rhino is a must for a family day out

Here's a treat for the kids: a trip to Port Lympne Wild Animal Park in Kent, where a baby black rhino was born in recently (and yes, he's off the sweet scale).

The male calf was born to mother Ruaha, aged 14, on 22 of January after a gestation period lasting 15 months.

The arrival of the baby rhino is particularly crucial at a time when all rhino species are forced closer to extinction.

More than 300 rhinos were killed illegally in South Africa last year - the highest rate ever experienced in the country.

This number included ten black rhinos, a species that is critically endangered. Numbers have declined by a staggering 90% over the past three generations and it is estimated that only around 3,500 individuals remain.

Which makes this little baby even more special.

Port Lympne Animal Park is part of the Aspnall Foundation, which was set up to protect and breed rare and endangered species and, where possible, return them safely back to the wild. Prices at the park are £18.95 per adult, and £14.95 per child, but book online and you'll make a saving.

See ten more brilliant ideas for half-term day-trips