West Midlands Safari Park has ushered in the new year with a momentous and rare event: the birth of a Northern giraffe calf, an occurrence meticulously captured on camera. The arrival of this vulnerable species marks a heartwarming start to 2026 for the park and its dedicated team.
A Carefully Monitored Arrival
The birth took place on Tuesday, 20th January 2026, following a lengthy 15-month pregnancy for the mother, a 14-year-old giraffe named Arusha. Keepers had been vigilantly monitoring Arusha for several days via CCTV, suspecting that the birth was imminent. Their suspicions were confirmed during morning checks when signs of labour became apparent.
Witnessing a Natural Wonder
Maintaining a respectful distance to avoid disturbance, the team continued their duties while watching the progress on camera. At precisely 11:04 am, they were privileged to witness the six-foot-tall calf make its entrance into the world, landing safely on a specially prepared soft, sanded floor. Demonstrating remarkable resilience, the newborn was standing and taking its first tentative steps within just 40 minutes, and it had its first feed only an hour after birth.
Expert Insights on the Birth
Head Keeper of Ungulates, Lisa Watkins, was present to film the rare event close-up. She expressed the team's joy, stating, "The team are over the moon with the safe arrival of a new giraffe calf to mother, Arusha. Arusha is well rehearsed in motherhood—this is her fifth calf—and as we all expected, she is doing a fantastic job so far." She noted that both mother and baby are currently bonding in the warmth of their house due to the weather, with hopes to introduce the calf to park guests soon.
Angela Potter, Head of Wildlife, who also monitored the birth via CCTV, added a fascinating observation: "Giraffe can give birth at any time, but we usually find it is during the night or early hours of the morning, so it was lovely to witness it in the daylight hours. By the end of the day, Arusha was relaxed and the calf was feeding well. Arusha is an experienced mum which meant she took everything in her stride." She highlighted that Arusha even managed to eat breakfast immediately after the birth to maintain her strength.
A Vital Conservation Success
This birth represents a significant achievement for the giraffe EEP (EAZA Ex-situ Programme), a collaborative breeding initiative among European zoos and wildlife parks aimed at conserving endangered species. Northern giraffes are currently classified as 'vulnerable' to extinction, facing severe threats from habitat loss, poaching, and climate change. Consequently, each successful birth is critically important for the future survival of the species.
A Growing Giraffe Family
The new calf will not be alone as it grows; it has a playmate in its three-month-older half-sibling, Namara, who was born in October 2025. Both calves share the same father, 15-year-old Rufus, and the newborn joins several older siblings, including brothers Kingsley and Mtembei, and half-siblings Emali and Kris. This expanding family underscores the park's ongoing commitment to wildlife conservation and breeding programmes.
