KEEPERS at West Midlands Safari Park near Bewdley are celebrating the birth of a baby giraffe.
The special moment, which happened in the warmth of the giraffe house at 6.30am on October 8, was captured on CCTV.
The cameras also captured the moment the calf took its first steps and its first feed following the birth by 14-year-old Akacia.
The young calf also interacted with adult female, Bwindi, who was with Akacia throughout the experience.
A few days later, keepers and the veterinary team did a quick health check and were delighted to discover that the calf is a girl.
Head keeper of ungulates, Lisa Watkins, said the team was delighted.
“Akacia is an experienced mother and is currently settling and bonding with the newborn in the warmth of the house.
“The pregnancy and birth were straightforward, and the calf is thriving.”
With all animals born at the park this year having names beginning with the letter ‘N’, the calf has been called ‘Namara’ meaning ‘sunshine’.
Lisa added: “Giraffe in the wild are under threat, so every birth is really important to the population.
“We hope that guests will be able to glimpse her soon, as she takes her first steps into the outdoor giraffe yard.”
Endangered species
Giraffe as a species hit headlines recently as scientists used to think that there was just one species of giraffe, but genetic evidence has proved that there are four distinct species.
The giraffes at the Park have been reclassified as ‘Northern giraffe’, meaning that their wild counterparts are currently facing severe threats such as habitat loss and fragmentation, poaching, climate change and effects from political unrest in the areas they live.
Namara is the latest success for the giraffe EEP (EAZA Ex-situ Programme) which supports collaborative breeding efforts between European zoos and wildlife parks to conserve endangered species.
Namara’s next steps will include her being introduced to the rest of the herd, including older siblings, Emali and Kris, half-brother Kingsley and dad, Rufus.
Keepers then hope she will be out and about with the rest of the herd on the Safari Drive, weather dependent, in the coming weeks.
Guests can see the giraffes in the Safari Drive, as well as on foot via the African Walking Trail, which is included in the admission price.
West Midlands Safari Park is open daily until November 2.
Visit: wmsp.co.uk for more information.
