Leggy new arrival at Norfolk zoo

The new arrival at Banham Zoo

28 July 2010

A leggy new arrival is causing a stir at a Norfolk zoo.

Standing at over 5ft tall and only a few days old, a baby giraffe has been born at Banham Zoo.

The arrival of the calf, which has not yet been named, came at the weekend and is the second baby for proud mother Fiona.

The birth is the third since the south Norfolk tourist attraction opened a new giraffe house to the public in March 2008 and is their first baby boy.

Martin Dupée, head of operations, said keepers gave mum and baby additional privacy for the first few days whilst they bonded but visitors were being allowed into the giraffe house again. Fiona's first calf, Josie, is 19 months old and still at the zoo.

“Fiona and her new calf will remain separated from the main herd for a little while yet just to be certain that the calf is feeding well and is strong enough to withstand life with her much taller companions but it won't be long before mum and baby will be re-integrated back into the main herd,” he said.

The zoo now has seven giraffes.