A NEW arrival is about to make her public debut – just in time for the half-term holidays.

The Rothschild giraffe collection at Flamingo Land Resort in North Yorkshire has grown to six with the safe delivery of a new calf.

The female was born to parents George, 10, and Lizzy, eight, after a 15-month gestation period.

“The arrival of our giraffe calf was a very special day for the entire Flamingo Land team, especially the keepers who have cared for mother Lizzy during her pregnancy,” said zoo manager Ross Snipp.

“We were proud to enjoy the safe arrival of our giraffe calf and we are very much looking forward to seeing her grow and develop under our care and guidance.”

Giraffes as a species are listed as “vulnerable” with an estimated 1,600 Rothschild sub-species in the wild.

Threatened by habitat loss, civil unrest, poaching and ecological changes the giraffes at Flamingo Land are part of a global conservation programme to support the breeding of the species in captivity.

“Weather permitting, we hope that our new baby will be available for our visitors to see during the forthcoming February half term school holidays,” said Ross. “ Visitor talks with a giraffe zookeeper can be enjoyed at 12 noon each day and are included within the zoo admission price.

  • In the coming days, a competition will be launched to name the new baby giraffe. Details will be available at flamingoland.co.uk/