THERE’S one little new arrival at West Midland Safari Park who could not wait until spring before showing its face.

Native of a much warmer climate in Australia, the baby white Bennett’s wallaby (or joey, as they are known) was born at the start of the winter.

After the coldest December since records began, the park’s first baby of the year seems content to explore the wallaby reserve from the warmth of mum’s pouch.

It is usual for staff at the park to welcome an influx of baby animals from February onwards.

Bob Lawrence, the park’s director of wildlife, said: “It is likely that the wallaby was born in early November, hidden from view and thriving in mum’s pouch.

“It is certainly unusual to see a joey this early in the year, given that it has been such a harsh winter with temperatures in the animal reserves reaching as low as minus 19 degrees.

The wallabies at the park, near Bewdley, have a royal connection.

The animals are descended from the original white wallabies which were given as a gift to Queen Elizabeth II on her state visit to Australia in 1962.