Baby Giraffes Embark on First Safari Adventure at West Midlands Safari Park
In a heartwarming development this week, two baby northern giraffes at West Midlands Safari Park have taken a significant milestone in their young lives by venturing out onto the Safari Drive for the very first time. With the arrival of warmer and drier weather, the calves were able to step into their outdoor safari habitat, marking a crucial moment in their growth and integration with the herd.
Meet the New Arrivals: Namara and Olive
Namara, born on October 8 last year, and two-month-old Olive, born on January 20, 2026, made their debut on the safari under the careful supervision of their experienced mothers, Akacia and Arusha. The mothers remained close by, ensuring the calves' safety while allowing other herd members to approach and introduce themselves properly. This gentle introduction is part of a well-planned process to help the young giraffes adapt to their new environment.
Herld Welcomes the Calves with Affection
The herd's response was overwhelmingly positive, with big sister Emali, who shares the same father, Rufus, being one of the first to greet the newcomers. Emali offered an encouraging nudge with her nose, followed by Henry, one of the oldest members of the herd, who gave Olive a welcoming lick. These interactions highlight the social bonds within the giraffe community and the supportive nature of the herd.
Expert Insights from the Head Keeper
Lisa Watkins, Head Keeper of Ungulates at the park, expressed her delight at the calves' progress. "We are thrilled that Namara and Olive have taken their first steps onto the safari and have already met some of our guests," she said. "Over the past few months, both calves have been introduced to all herd members, including their father, Rufus, in the comfort of the giraffe house. This preparation has gone brilliantly, so the final step was to introduce them to the great outdoors, where they will spend most of their time with the herd and meet their neighbors, such as white rhino, Grevy's zebra, and Congo buffalo."
Contrasting Personalities on Display
Watkins noted the distinct personalities of the two calves during their first outing. "Namara was a bit cautious and unsure of her new surroundings initially but soon settled down," she explained. "In contrast, on Olive's first day out, she had the 'zoomies' and was excited to explore all areas with confidence." The mothers, Arusha and Akacia, have been exemplary in their roles, guiding, protecting, and gently encouraging the babies to explore. This serves as a beautiful reminder this Mother's Day that a mother's love provides the first safe step into the world.
Conservation Significance and Breeding Program
The birth of these two calves is excellent news for the giraffe EEP (EAZA Ex-situ Programme), which supports collaborative breeding efforts between European zoos and wildlife parks to conserve endangered species. Northern giraffes are currently listed as 'vulnerable' to extinction due to threats like habitat loss, poaching, and climate change, making every birth critically important for the species' survival.
Family Dynamics and Future Prospects
All calves born at the park in recent years share the same father, 15-year-old Rufus, and they have several older siblings, including brothers Kris, Kingsley, and Mtembei. Namara and Olive are the first female arrivals since their older sister Emali in 2016. The calves will spend their first few years at the park, growing among the herd, tended to by keepers, and interacting with other animals. It is hoped that in the future, they will move to other wildlife parks to have calves of their own, continuing the vital work of the EEP and safeguarding the species.
Visitor Opportunities and Park Information
Guests can now see the calves, along with the rest of the herd, on the Safari Drive, the African Walking Trail, or from the Giraffe Safari Lodges. West Midlands Safari Park is open on selected dates during the winter season, and visitors are encouraged to book in advance online for the best prices, which also include a free return visit. This unique experience offers a chance to witness these majestic animals up close and support conservation efforts.
