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Hello mum and dad: The newest arrival at Woburn Safari Park takes to her feet and is welcomed into the world by mum Danica and dad Casper


It's long way down when you come into this world as a giraffe .. but thankfully all went smoothly for this not so little youngster when she arrived safely despite arriving in front of an audience.

Dozens of visitors to the Woburn Safari Park stopped in amazement as one of the wildlife centre's star attractions, Danica the giraffe, gave birth.

Children whooped in excitement as they watched the drama unfold with their parents.


The rare Rothschild's giraffe, there are only 600 left in the wild, was in labour for three and a half hours and visitors struggled to get a view of the amazing natural sight.

Incredibly the baby is already a whopping five feet tall.

Cars lined the park and caused a stampede for space when Danica went into labour.

Moments after the youngster was born keepers were on hand to ensure that the newborn would be able to take her first steps.

First sighting: The little calf comes into the world feet first, presumably hoping for a soft landing

Up you get: The newborn calf is nuzzled by mother Danica to get her onto her feet

I'm getting there: Woburn Safari Park's newest arrival works out what her long legs are for and struggles on to her feet for the first time

Now I've got it: The newborn calf suckles moments after getting to her feet at Woburn Safari Park

Follow me: The leggy youngster takes the lead on a quick stroll round Woburn Safari Park's nine acre giraffe enclosure


And within moments she was on her feet leaving them in no doubt that she is fit and healthy.

Visitors to Woburn Safari Park, Beds, are not allowed out of their vehicles for safety reasons but were able to be as close as 15 metres of the giraffe, who gave birth in the open.

The healthy Rothschild's giraffe - pictured moments after being born - was nudged and licked
by the rest of the herd, who instinctively gathered round to protect her.

Dad Casper also gave a little nudge with his hooves to encourage the calf to stand. It is important that the animal stands as soon as possible after birth.

They will now leave the healthy youngster to explore her new nine acre home and decide on a name later.

Giraffe keeper Lindsay Banks said: 'Danica delighted visitors by choosing to give birth outside with the rest of the herd where everybody could watch.

'People normally park up and watch the giraffes for a few minutes before driving onto the primates but they were fixated and did not want to move.

'At its peak we had about 25 cars queueing up trying to get a view of the action - it was a real spectacle.

'It is not everyday you get the chance to see a giraffe being born. Thankfully, the birth went perfectly.

'The calf is healthy and doing well and the mum is really protective.'

Vets at the park have yet to officially confirm the calf's gender but they have said they believe it is a girl.

Giraffe's are pregnant for more than a year and within a few hours calves will be able to run around.

But dad casper will not be expected to play a role in raising the youngster, it is normal for females to band together to protect the young.


source:dailymail