How a new arrival could help save rare giraffe

The arrival of a new bull giraffe at a safari park could help save one of the world's rarest species of the mammal.

Longleat welcomed three-year-old Nubian giraffe Stanley to the park on Wednesday as part of an international effort to safeguard the critically endangered species, bosses said.

There are thought to be fewer than 500 of his species left in the wild, with a breeding programme in place to help secure their future.

Darren Beasley, head of animal operations, said it was "fantastic" to welcome Stanley to the existing herd at Longleat.

The safari park lost its previous bull Thorn, who fathered 29 calves over the course of his life, in 2024.

Keepers hope Stanley will continue the work of the European Endangered Species Programme once he reached full maturity.

There are currently nine female Nubian giraffes at Longleat, all of whom were born at the park.

"Longleat has been one of the most successful hubs for the breeding programmes of Nubian giraffes, so to start that journey again is a privilege," said Beasley.

Currently standing at nearly 4m (13ft) tall, Stanley still has some growing to do. Male Nubian giraffes can reach heights of up to 6m (20ft) - the tallest of all giraffe subspecies.

Visitors can see Stanley and the rest of the tower on the Drive Through Safari, which celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2026.