Marwell Zoo reports the birth of a rare Rothschild giraffe calf

Ruby, the giraffe mother, went into labour on August 21 and delivered a healthy male calf.

This marks the first growth in the zoo's giraffe population since 2012, coincidentally the same year Ruby was born.

Remarkably, the new-born is a 'miracle' baby as Ruby was on contraception.

Due to early-life struggles, the giraffe enclosure was closed to ensure the survival of both mother and calf.

Despite initial hiccups, including an infection that required antibiotic treatment, the zoo reports optimistic signs about the baby giraffe's health.

Elyse Summerfield-Smith, zoo veterinarian, said: "Ruby had a normal labour, and the calf arrived after just under four hours of labour.

"Ruby is a first-time mum, and just like all first-time mums she was a little nervous at first! However, with peace and quiet and plenty of help and support from the Hoofstock and Veterinary Teams she has settled into her role.

"Ruby’s calf found it a little bit tricky working out where the milk came from in the beginning, but after some care from the veterinary and Hoofstock teams, he seems to have cracked it now!"