KEEPERS at West Midland Safari Park are celebrating the birth of a Rothschild’s giraffe - a six-foot-tall baby boy.

The long-necked calf arrived at 5.45pm on Wednesday, October 3, after a gestation period of around 15 months to second-time mum, Arusha.

After several attempts, the leggy youngster managed to find his feet and stand at just an hour after his birth, whilst being watched over closely by mum and the rest of the herd. He already weighed in at a hefty 58 kilograms, which is nearly ten stone.

Angela Potter, head of wildlife at the park, said: “The team is thrilled with our beautiful new arrival. It has been lovely to see the reactions of the other members of the herd, who have been interacting with him from day one.

“With giraffe numbers plummeting by 40 per cent in the past 15 years, we hope our new calf will inspire action and raise awareness of the issues these animals are facing in the wild.

“We are really pleased with his progress and are looking forward to watching him grow up amongst his extended family.”

As giraffes tend to be social animals, the herd have been taking it in turns to look after the cute youngster. He has already explored the sights and sounds of the Safari Drive-through and met his brother Fennessy and half-sister Emali, much to the delight of guests and keepers.

Although the newborn is yet to be named, keepers will be choosing a name beginning with G, as all babies born at the park in 2018 will begin with this letter.

The new birth now brings the tower of Rothschild’s giraffe up to ten, including the new-born's dad, seven-year-old Rufus.