Lamb Stormzy born at height of storm now 'healthy and boisterous'

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Stormzy with his mother Tulip and another member of the flockImage source, Jamie Mintram
Image caption,

Stormzy, centre, with his mother Tulip, left, and another member of the flock

A new-born lamb found clinging to life in a raging storm is now "healthy and boisterous", according to a Lincolnshire wildlife park.

Keepers at Ark Wildlife & Dinosaur Park in Stickney found the rare Soay lamb - named Stormzy after the UK rapper - alone in a field in January.

Jamie Mintram, who runs the park with wife Michelle, said the lamb had been rejected by his mother, Tulip.

But Tulip has finally accepted her offspring, he said.

Image caption,

Stormzy pictured during one of his two-hourly feeds soon after his arrival in January

According to Mr Mintram's research, there are only about 900 breeding female Soay left.

"Stormzy is incredibly happy and boisterous," he said.

"He still has a bit of growing to do but isn't far off adult-size. His mum has taken him back, which we're really pleased about."

It is thought Tulip was spooked by the storm, causing her to reject Stormzy.

Mr Mintram said: "There isn't much maternal instinct there! She has taken him back just as he's become self-sufficient."

Stormzy and his friend Lammy have joined Tulip in her enclosure.

Image caption,

Jamie Mintram, co-owner of Ark Wildlife & Dinosaur Park, said staff had no idea Stormzy's mother was pregnant

Mr Mintram said: "Stormzy is front and centre of the field stock. Visitors to the refuge are always asking after him."

Stormzy was found, by chance, during the height of Storm Isha.

"Another 30 minutes [and] he'd have died," said Mr Mintram. "Even when we got him indoors, it was touch and go whether he would survive."

Since Tulip was not interested in Stormzy, it fell on Mrs Mintram to bottle-feed him.

Image caption,

Stormzy was initially kept indoors after he was found

During the first few weeks, she was feeding Stormzy every two hours - day and night - to ensure his survival.

"We're really pleased how he'd turned out," Mr Mintram added.

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