The King and Queen Consort set to reveal name of Colchester's baby white rhino

The Royal couple is visiting Colchester to mark a year of city status

Author: James SweetnamPublished 7th Mar 2023
Last updated 7th Mar 2023

It's a big day for Colchester, and arguably an even bigger day for Colchester Zoo's baby white rhino who's name is going to be unveiled by the King and Queen Consort.

King Charles and Camilla are visiting Colchester today to mark it's recent city status.

As part of their visit the couple will meet the animal care team from Colchester Zoo to hear about their conservation work before revealing the chosen name for the Zoo’s newest addition, a baby white rhino.

The baby white rhino is a bundle of energy

In anticipation of celebrating its sixtieth anniversary, everyone at the wildlife centre is bursting with excitement for the public to finally find out the name. However, the decision didn't come easy.

Director Rebecca Moore, confessed: "The animal care team have thought incredibly hard for a name for our new rhino calf.

"As you can imagine, any great baby like this fills everybody at the zoo with excitement."

She added: "The rhino itself can be found in the Kingdom of the Wild Paddock with its mum, Astrid. Now its found its own personality, it can be seen charging around."

Furthermore, the animal's importance extends far beyond a Royal Visit, as it's a key part of the zoo's ambition to look after the species as a whole.

Moore added: "The rhino represents an extremely important part of the breeding programme. She will go on in future to play a really important role in the conservation programme.

"We are certainly buzzing for the name to be revealed."

What else are they up to?

The Royal couple will head to Colchester Castle first where they'll meet with community groups, volunteers, local businesses, conservation projects and art organisations.

They will meet those who took part in Colchester’s city status procession last year, including charities, volunteers and refugees who have settled in Colchester.

They'll then have afternoon tea with Age UK volunteers at the local library.

At the library, Camilla will join a gathering of local authors, children, supporters and volunteers to celebrate the Essex Year of Reading.

The countywide campaign was established to help children and young people discover a lifelong love of reading, and help to ensure every Essex child is able to read at their age level or above.

Camilla will be welcomed by characters Alice in Wonderland and the Mad Hatter, played by actors from the local Mercury Theatre.

She will also be joined by O’Leary, who is a keen supporter of the Essex Year of Reading, as well as Cottrell-Boyce.

Essex Police

The staff and officers at Essex Police say they've been working hard to prepare for the Royal visit.

A large police operation will be in force in the city today to ensure people can enjoy the visit safely.

People planning to come out to get a glimpse of the Royal couple are being encouraged to plan ahead for their journey as there will be road closures in place.

Assistant Chief Constable Rachel Nolan said: “It is the greatest privilege for Essex Police to be involved in supporting our partners to prepare for and welcome His Majesty the King – it’s a momentous occasion for our force and our county.

“We want everyone to enjoy the day as safely as they can and ask that everyone remains vigilant on the day.

"If you need us we will have lots of officers in Colchester City on the day supporting the policing of the event so find us if you need us and please say hello.

"We are very excited to be joining our community to welcome His Majesty the King and the Queen Consort.”

Travel Disruption

Road closures in Colchester city centre will be in place between 7am and 2pm for the Royal visit.

Road closures are in place on East Hill, High Street and Head Street, Culver Street West, North Hill and Sir Isaacs Walk.

There will be an impact to bus services, as the High Street will be closed between 7am and 2pm. We suggest you check with your bus service provider for routes before travelling.

The taxi ranks from the High Street and Head Street will be temporarily relocated to North Hill.

Access into Priory Street will be affected by a redirection of traffic with vehicles accessing the car park between 7am and 2pm. Cars will enter off East Hill and exit via Queen Street.

Napier Road South Car Park will be closed on 6th and 7th March and Sheepen Road Car Park will be closed on 07 March, but all other council-owned car parks will be open.

Will I be able to watch?

Local residents are welcome to gather along the High Street.

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