There is delight at Bedfordshire's Whipsnade Zoo after the birth of a baby giraffe.
The female reticulated giraffe calf was born on Monday, June 17, to mum Ijuma and dad Bashu, after a four-hour long labour, and less than an hour after being born, the calf was standing tall.
Third time mum Ijuma has been doting on the not-so-little one, which brings the conservation zoo’s herd to five giraffes.
Her birth was part of the European breeding programme, which helps to preserve a healthy back up population of giraffes.
She arrived just in time to celebrate World Giraffe Day on Friday, June 21, which raises awareness of the challenges giraffes face in the wild, with Whipsnade putting on special talks, keeper Q&As, activities and games to celebrate.
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