Baby giraffes venture outside for the first time

A duo of baby northern giraffes have braved the outside world for the first time at West Midlands Safari Park.

Namara was born on 8 October last year while Olive arrived on 20 January, and both calves explored their outside area under the watchful gaze of their experienced mothers, Akacia and Arusha.

Head keeper of ungulates, Lisa Watkins, said: "We are delighted that Namara and Olive have taken their first steps onto the safari, and have met some of our guests."

She said the pair had been introduced to each member of the herd including dad, Rufus, which she said had "gone brilliantly".

"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, Watkins continued.

"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."

Arusha and Akacia have been exemplary, she explained, "guiding, protecting and gently encouraging the babies to explore".

The calves have been positive news for the giraffe EEP (EAZA Ex-situ Programme) which supports collaborative breeding efforts between European zoos and wildlife parks to conserve endangered species.

A safari park spokesperson said northern giraffes were currently listed as vulnerable to extinction, due to threats such as habitat loss, poaching and climate change.

They said the calves would spend their first few years at the park, before being moved onto other wildlife parks to have calves of their own.

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