Zoo celebrates 'miracle' baby giraffe birth

The calf is still growing into his neck and legs, keepers say

A zoo is celebrating the "miracle" birth of a baby giraffe, despite its mother taking contraception.

Ruby, a Rothschild's giraffe, gave birth to the male calf at Marwell Zoo, near Winchester in Hampshire, on 21 August.

Keepers were surprised as the first-time mum had been on birth control.

The calf, which already stands at over 5ft (1.52m) tall, is the first newborn addition to Marwell Zoo's giraffe herd since 2012.

Rothschild's giraffes are listed as Near Threatened on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature's Red List

Ruby had been unsure about the new arrival and struggled getting used to feeding, according to a Marwell Zoo spokeswoman.

"Working together, our teams encouraged the pair to bond whilst making sure the youngster didn't become dehydrated, a very real risk when early feeding isn't successful," she said.

The giraffe house had to be closed following the birth because the calf picked up an infection that needed treating with antibiotics.

"The calf isn't out of the woods yet as the risk of another infection is high and babies are always more vulnerable in the early days, but things are looking much more positive," the spokeswoman added.

'Sleepless nights'

The calf arrived, described by zoo veterinarian Elyse Summerfield-Smith as "an inquisitive chap", arrive after just under four hours of labour.

"Like all small children, he absolutely hates his mum cleaning behind his ears," she said.

Senior animal keeper Zoe Newnham said: "Like all new babies, the giraffe calf has given the hoofstock and veterinary teams more than a few sleepless nights but we're delighted that Ruby and her calf are doing really well.

"Each day he's becoming more inquisitive, more confident and is providing a lot of joy for the keepers."