Maxton Walker's "Pick of the Day" in the Guardian is the two-part BBC Radio 4 series exploring the role of captive breeding programmes for endangered animals around the world - "Single White Rhino Would Like To Meet".

The first programme aired today (Friday 23 February 2007) at 11am and I assume part two will appear next week. Both shows should be available as internet streaming audio, live and On-Demand for at least 7 days following the broadcasts.

Part 1 should be available for streaming, but I am getting a "Sorry we can't bring you the programme you requested". Please leave a comment if you manage to listen to the show.

Rosamund Kidman-Cox explores the role of captive breeding programmes for endangered species operated by zoos worldwide and asks how they aid conservation in the wild. For all creatures, the management of the gene pool is a crucial part of any breeding programme and finding suitable mates is a complicated business.

Rosamund visits Whipsnade Wild Animal Park to see how their herd of southern white rhinos has been growing over recent decades and what problems they have encountered. She also joins a female red panda at Bristol Zoo as she is introduced to her new mate.