Princes William and Harry monitoring journey of endangered Flamingo Land rhino

Olmoti is three years old and lives at Flamingo Land, and will start the first leg of a journey to the Akagera National Park in Rwanda, Africa, on Wednesday.

The rhino will first be transported to Dvur Kralove Zoo in the Czech Republic, where she will meet four other rhino who will travel with her to Rwanda. All five were born in Europe, and have been chosen to inject some genetic diversity into the rhino population in the African park.

One they become socialised with each other, the group will be flown to Rwanda in one of the largest scale animal transportations of its type to ever take place, which could take up to a year.

Ross Snipp, Flamingo Land’s zoo manager, said: "Olmoti doesn’t know it yet, but she is about to become one of the most important black rhino in Africa.

"This is a once in a lifetime event. Here at Flamingo Land we are incredibly proud to be a part of this project, which is aimed at securing the long-term future of the Eastern black rhino population, which is under serious threat."

Gordon Gibb, Flamingo Land’s owner, said: "The release of Olmoti, our beloved rhino, into the wilds of Rwanda is the culmination of my life’s work and that of our animal collection at Flamingo Land.

"Using our facility as a safe sanctuary to breed critically endangered animals is something we have been doing for decades. Our inspiration has always been to return offspring back to the wild and to replenish dwindling world populations. This is the only way of preventing the extinction of this majestic species. Olmoti’s story is of huge significance and we will be watching her journey with great interest and pride."

Mr Gibb said Princes Harry and William, President of African Parks and supporter of rhino conservation respectively, have asked to be kept informed of Olmoti’s progress.

Olmoti’s mother, Samira, age 17, will remain at Flamingo Land, along with Chanua, six, who arrived in 2016, a year after Olmoti and her mum.