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Heartwarming CCTV has captured the moment a rare baby giraffe was born before she took her first wobbly steps at a UK safari park.
The leggy youngster can be seen arriving into the world with a bump after falling around 6ft (2m) onto a bed of soft hay at West Midlands Safari Park.
The female calf — named Namara — was born in the warmth of the giraffe house at 6:30 am on October 8, to mom, 14-year-old Akacia.
It is now hoped the birth will provide fresh hope for the future of the species, which is classed as endangered in the wild.
The special moment was caught on CCTV, and 40 minutes later, her first steps were also captured on camera as she struggled to her feet.
Adorable video also shows the newborn’s first feed and interactions with mom and adult female, Bwindi, who was with Akacia throughout the experience.
A few days later, keepers and the veterinary team carried out a quick health check and were delighted to discover the 6ft tall calf is a girl.
Head keeper of ungulates, Lisa Watkins, said, “The team at West Midlands Safari Park were delighted to see that a healthy, female giraffe calf had been born on Wednesday morning.
“Akacia is an experienced mother and is currently settling and bonding with the newborn in the warmth of the house.
“The pregnancy and birth were straightforward, and the calf is thriving.
“All animals born this year at the Park have names beginning with the letter ‘N’, so we have chosen ‘Namara’, meaning sunshine.
“Giraffes in the wild are under threat, so every birth is really important to the population.
“We hope that guests will be able to glimpse her soon, as she takes her first steps into the outdoor giraffe yard.”
Giraffe as a species hit headlines recently as scientists used to think that there was just one species, but genetic evidence has proved there are four distinct species.
The giraffes at the park in Bewdley, Worcs., have been reclassified as ‘Northern giraffe,’ meaning that their wild counterparts are currently facing severe threats.
Experts say this includes habitat loss and fragmentation, poaching, climate change, and effects from political unrest in the areas where they live.
The next steps for Namara will be for her to be introduced to the rest of the herd, including siblings, Emali and Kris, half-brother Kingsley, and dad, Rufus.
Keepers then hope that she will be out and about with the rest of the herd, where the public will be able to see her along the safari drive-through.
