A Kent animal park has named its first giraffe calf in eight years after an England football star.
Port Lympne Reserve, near Hythe, welcomed new arrival Jude just hours before England’s victory over Norway on Saturday.
Jude was up on her feet within hours of her birthPort Lympne Reserve has named its new giraffe calf after England star Jude Bellingham. Pictures: Port Lympne Reserve
The animal reserve’s team voted to name the female calf in honour of Jude Bellingham after his “outstanding performances” for England at the World Cup.
Bellingham scored twice against Norway to send England through to the semi-finals, taking the midfielder’s tournament tally to six goals.
Jude is the first giraffe calf to be born at Port Lympne since 2018 and brings the reserve’s herd to eight, comprising two males and six females.
Tony Kelly, managing director at Port Lympne Reserve, said: “Welcoming the first giraffe born at Port Lympne since 2018 is an incredibly special moment, not just for everyone here, but for giraffe conservation in the UK.
“The timing of Jude’s arrival – on Saturday when the nation was celebrating England’s World Cup success – made the occasion even more memorable.
Jude and mother Leana are currently in the giraffe houseJude Bellingham scored two goals against Norway to send England through to the World Cup semi-final. Picture: Martin Rickett/PA
“These first few weeks are a delicate time for both mum and calf, so we’re giving them all the care and space they need.
“Our keepers are with them constantly, and although it’s still early days, we’re delighted with how Jude is progressing, and we look forward to our guests meeting her later this month.”
After a 16-month gestation, mother Leana safely gave birth to Jude, who was fathered by the reserve’s resident bull giraffe, Zubani.
The calf, standing at 5ft 8in, was up on her feet within hours of being born and is “continuing to grow stronger every day”.
There is hope Jude will be ready to make her debut at the park later this month
The mother and daughter are currently spending Jude’s first few weeks in the giraffe house, where experienced keepers and the veterinary team are monitoring them closely.
Jude is not yet on public view but, if all goes to plan, is expected to make her debut later this month.
Nubian giraffes are among the world’s most threatened giraffe subspecies, meaning every successful birth is an important contribution to the international conservation breeding programme and another positive step towards safeguarding the future of the species.