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Hythe: Port Lympne welcomes female giraffe to the Reserve

09:05, 22 June 2018

Port Lympne have announced that it's newest giraffe is female.

The Rothschild calf was born on June 15, just a week after the birth of a male calf, which was shared globally due to a live video stream that had been set up as the two giraffes - Lehana and Lunar -prepared to give birth.

The new arrival is the second calf for mum Lunar.

Newest arrival is a girl. Credit: Aspinall Foundation (2673748)
Newest arrival is a girl. Credit: Aspinall Foundation (2673748)

Simon Jeffery, Animal Director, said: "This is Lunar’s second calf and, although she is slightly smaller than our male calf, she already stands over five feet tall! Although it’s early days, she is suckling well and already starting to explore, under the watchful eyes of both Lunar and Lehana."

The video of the birth has now been watched more than 50,000 times on Facebook, where they were able to watch the new calf take her first steps less than an hour after delivery.

There are now ten giraffes at the Reserve, six of which are Rothschild - an endangered species.

The Reserve is now appealing to giraffe fans everywhere to help raise funds to build a giraffe nursery. To donate visit www.aspinallfoundation.org/donate and state ‘Giraffe’ in the comment box.

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