The arrival of a baby giraffe at a Kent animal park is being hailed as an early Christmas present by keepers.

The cute youngster was born at Port Lympne Reserve near Hythe last week and members of the public got their first glimpses of him this week.

He stands at an already leggy five-and-a-half feet tall and both calf and mum, Lehana, are doing well.

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The adorable baby giraffe was born at the park on December 1.

He is the second new arrival at the park this year after his half-sister Mwezi was born earlier this year. She was the first giraffe to be born at the reserve in eight years.

VIDEO: The baby giraffe was born at the Kent wildlife park. Credit: Aspinal Foundation

Adrian Harland, animal director, said: "We’re thrilled to welcome our latest addition to the giraffe herd.

"We managed to catch the birth on our CCTV cameras and watching the footage back, we can see that soon after birth, he’s already trying to stand – although he was very wobbly.

"Less than a week on and he has already ventured out to explore the outside world and meet the rest of herd, who are very interested in him, although his half-sister, Mwezi, born earlier this year, is trying to boss him around already."

The birth is another landmark for the park which works with other parks around Europe to breed and help conservation of endangered species.

Mr Harland added: "We are privileged to be part of such an important breeding programme. Conservation of endangered species is at the core of what we do and this young male will have a vital role to play in the future."