Safari park enjoys rare baby boom

The as yet unnamed calf was born at the safari park on 23 June

Two new rare offspring have been born at Woburn Safari Park in Bedfordshire.

A female Przewalski foal, named Itani, was born this month. It is the oldest type of wild horse in the world and was extinct in the wild until recently.

On Monday, a male Rothschild giraffe calf was also born - the third in the past eight months.

The calf has not yet been named by rangers, but it will begin with a letter "I" along with all hoofstock section animals born this year.

Animal manager Dr Jake Veasey said: "We are delighted to have another safe giraffe birth - it's a real hat trick.

"It is a boost to the survival of this critically-endangered subspecies of giraffe and a tribute to how well the animals have responded to the changes in their management and everyday life."

Woburn Safari Park added that the Rothschild giraffe was critically endangered with fewer than 40 believed to be left in the wild.

The Rothschild is distinguished by its pale and thick set coat compared to other giraffes.