IT’S not everyday you get to witness the wonders of the African savannah in Hampshire. But visitors to a Hampshire zoo got jus that last week when they were surprised by the birth of a giraffe.

Marwell Wildlife’s giraffe Isabella went into labour at around 8am on Friday (AUG 17) and gave birth to a healthy calf after almost four hours in labour.

Keepers said the calf soon found its feet and instantly bonded with its mum.

John Pullen, curator of mammals at Marwell Wildlife said: “This is Isabella’s third birth. It went extremely well and Isabella took it all in her stride.

“Baby is tall and strong and was standing an hour later and walking an hour or so after that.”

“The public were allowed to watch the birth along with keepers and other members of staff. As soon as the calf was born we closed the house to let baby and mum bond.”

It is not yet clear whether the calf is male or female but closer examination will take place in the next few days.

Staff added Isabella is very protective of her youngster but it had been introduced to the rest of the herd.

The calf will begin to eat solids in around one month’s time and will be fully weaned within a year.

All giraffes at Marwell are on public view and can be seen in the Into Africa exhibit or ‘The Valley’ field with fellow African species like zebras, ostriches and waterbucks.