Holly Willoughby has had a rhinoceros named after her.
The ‘This Morning’ star was overjoyed to discover a new baby rhino – whose sibling, Schofe, was named after her co-host Phillip Schofield when he visited South Africa three years ago – is now her namesake.
Speaking on Monday’s episode (20.04.20) of the ITV show after hearing the exciting news, she said: "I’ve got a rhino! I am so honoured, thank you so much!"
The announcement was made by wildlife vet Dr. Will Fowlds, who admitted Schofe had become something of a "mummy’s boy" over the past few years.
He teased: "Schofe, as you would predict, is a bit of a mummy’s boy and he hung around through the birth process which was a bit of a surprise for us.
"So, we got some photographs on day one where he started sulking in the background and not wanting to leave his mother’s side which is what they’re supposed to do a few weeks before the new one comes."
Baby Holly was born over Easter weekend, and while the experts weren’t expecting her birth at the time, they were delighted to have some good news amid the coronavirus pandemic.
He added: "It was a surprise … we weren’t anticipating it when it came, which was over Easter weekend, but I think the timing was amazing and it’s made us all very excited during some difficult times."
While poaching figures have been declining in South Africa, Will pointed out the team were concerned about the magnificent animals tragically still heading towards extinction.
However, the Easter birth has filled them with hope for "new life" as Holly’s arrival came over the Christian celebration of the resurrection of Jesus.
He said: "When an event like this comes along and a new baby gets delivered to us over Easter weekend, that hope of resurrection and new life, it was perfect timing."
Holly Willoughby has rhino named after her
