A Kent wildlife park has welcomed its newest - and completely unexpected - arrival.

Hoofstock keepers at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve were going about daily routine two weeks ago when they discovered a new addition in the Bactrian camel herd - a baby female calf.

Animal director Simon Jeffery said: "Our hoofstock keepers were carrying out their morning feeds and checks as usual, when they came across the baby camel on our Asian Experience.

"We had no idea that Healani was pregnant when she arrived with us, but we are over the moon to welcome this little female to the herd!"

The Bactrian camels only arrived last September to their new home at the Asian Experience habitat in the park, but they are already popular with visitors and the keepers.

Mr Jeffery added: "The camels have settled in really well and often enjoy getting all the attention by standing in the middle of the road or getting close to the vehicles to see who is inside."

Video: The baby calf is settling in to her new home. Credit: Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve

The cute calf still doesn't have a name but is getting used to her home by exploring with her mother and the rest of the herd.

Head of hoofstock Joel Bunce added: "The calf is very cute and she’s doing really well. She is finding her feet, step by step and is still a little wobbly but we’re confident that it won’t be long before she’s running rings around us all!"
Click here for more information about the animals in Port Lympne and their upcoming events - including a ‘Golden Egg Hunt’ which could see a lucky winner enjoying a baboon feeding encounter.