WEST Midlands Safari Park’s two baby giraffes have taken their first steps into their outdoor habitat.
Six-month old Namara and two-month-old Olive explored their new home under the supervision of their mums, Akacia and Arusha.
The female calves share the same dad – 15-year old Rufus – with their older sister Emali, and enjoyed interacting with their herd of several older siblings.
Emali was the first to greet the calves, with a nudge of her nose, followed by Henry, one of the oldest members of the herd.
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Lisa Watkins, ungulates head keeper at the attraction, said: “We are delighted Namara and Olive have taken their first steps onto the safari and have met some of our guests.
“Over the last few months, both have been introduced to all members of the herd, including dad Rufus, in the comfort of the giraffe house.
“This has gone brilliantly so the final step was to introduce them to the great outdoors, where they will spend most of their time with the herd and meeting their neighbours, including white rhino, Grevy’s zebra and Congo buffalo.”
Picture by Matthew Lissimore. s
On the calves’ first day venturing out, Ms Watkins said: “Namara was a bit cautious and unsure of her new surroundings to begin with but soon settled down.
“In contrast, on Olive’s first day out she had the ‘zoomies’, and was excited to explore all areas with confidence. The calves’ mothers, Arusha and Akacia, have been exemplary – guiding, protecting and gently encouraging the babies to explore.”
Namara and Olive will spend their first few years in the park, growing amongst the herd and being tended to by the keepers.
Due to threats such as habitat loss, poaching and climate change, northern giraffes are currently listed as vulnerable to extinction.
The birth of the two calves was fantastic news for the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria’s ex-situ programme (EEP).
Picture by Matthew Lissimore. s
The EEP works hard to support collaborative breeding efforts between European zoos and wildlife parks to conserve endangered species.
In the future, it is hoped Namara and Olive will continue the work of the EEP by moving to other wildlife parks and having calves of their own.
The baby giraffes can be visited by safari-park visitors on the site’s safari drive, the African walking trail or at the giraffe safari lodges.
Visit the park’s website, at wmsp.co.uk for advanced booking online, with free return visits and the best prices.
