Endangered giraffe born in Kent animal park

A critically endangered species of giraffe has been boosted by the birth of a female giraffe at an animal park in Kent.

The Rothschild's calf arrived on Tuesday to proud first-time parents Valentino and Lunar, is the first to be born at the reserve in eight years.

The calf is already five feet tall at less than a week old, and has been busy exploring her enclosure at the Port Lympne Reserve near Ashford.

The park is part of a European breeding project which is specifically designed to save the breed - only 750 Rothschild's are estimated to remain in the wild.

Victoria Snook, African experience keeper, said: "This is Lunar's first calf and stands at a leggy five feet fall.

"Although it's early days, she is suckling well and already starting to explore, under the watchful eyes of her mum Lunar and auntie, Lehana."

Adrian Harland, animal director at the reserve, said the new calf would play an important role in future conservation.