Great-grandmother llama gives birth to baby 'ET'

Mother Lashes and baby ET are proving a popular pair for visitors to Twinlakes

Staff at Twinlakes Family Theme Park, Melton Mowbray were given a shock when their oldest llama gave birth.

The unexpected new arrival, a healthy male, was discovered in the morning on Friday 5 February 2010.

The mother, Lashes, is believed to be around 18-years-old and was thought to be too old for more offspring, as the average llama lifespan is 15-20 years.

Lashes is already a great-grandmother, so has plenty of experience dealing with youngsters.

ET has been keeping warm and cosy in his new red pyjamas

She had seemingly shown no interest in her male companions, and her thick winter coat had hidden the pregnancy very well.

Animal Farm team leader, Helen Saxby said, "We couldn't believe our eyes when we saw Lashes had, had a baby, she is our oldest Llama and has great grand kids!"

The llama baby, or cria, does not currently have an official name, but staff have being calling him 'ET' due to his long neck and big eyes.

Park Manager Sandy Gyorvari said, "It would be lovely if anyone wants to pop down and give us suggestions, it would be nice to give him a good wholesome name."

Mother and baby have been moved into their own enclosure, and ET is feeding well, snug in his new red pyjamas.