KEEPERS at West Midland Safari Park are celebrating following the arrival of a new baby Rothchild’s giraffe.

The boy, who already measures six-foot-tall, arrived at 5.45pm on Wednesday, October 3, following a lengthy gestation period of around 15 months to second-time mum Arusha.

After several attempts, the leggy youngster managed to find his feet and stand at just an hour after his birth, whilst being watched over closely by mum and the rest of the herd.

A prompt health-check showed he already weighed in at a hefty 58 kilograms (nearly 10 stone).

 

Angela Potter, Head of Wildlife at the Park, said: “The Wildlife Team are thrilled with our beautiful new arrival. It has been lovely to see the reactions of the other members of the herd, who have been interacting with him from day one.

“With giraffe numbers plummeting by 40% in the past 15 years, we hope our new calf will inspire action and raise awareness of the issues these animals are facing in the wild.”

She added: “We are really pleased with his progress and are looking forward to watching him grow up amongst his extended family. Guests may be lucky enough to spot him either in his outdoor yard or on Safari, weather permitting.”

As giraffes tend to be social animals, the herd have been taking it in turns to look after the cute youngster.

He has already explored the sights and sounds of the Safari drive-through and met his brother Fennessy and half-sister Emali, much to the delight of guests and keepers.

 

Although the new-born is yet to be named, keepers will be choosing a name beginning with ‘G’, as all babies born at the Park in 2018 will begin with this letter.

Comprising of six females and four males, the new birth now brings the ‘tower’ of Rothschild’s giraffe up to ten. This includes the little one’s dad, seven-year-old Rufus.

The giraffes can be seen on the four-mile Safari Drive-through (weather permitting) and for further information on tickers, visit www.wmsp.co.uk or by calling 01299 402114.