Zookeepers were left seeing double after the birth of an endangered baby giraffe was captured on CCTV - just six weeks after his brother's arrival was caught on camera.
The baby Rothschild's giraffe called Kris arrived into the world with a bump after falling several metres to the ground at West Midlands Safari Park.
His 11-year-old mum Akacia went into labour out on safari in front of stunned guests before she retreated to the warmth of the giraffe house.
The leggy youngster then arrived at 2.15pm last Tuesday (25/10) while his six-week-old half-brother Kingsley watched just metres away.
Incredible footage shows Kinglsey being startled by his siblings arrival before Kris takes his first wobbly steps under the watchful eye of mum Akacia.
Just weeks ago Kingsley's birth was also caught on CCTV when he was delivered by mum Arusha at the attraction based in Bewdley, Worcs., on September 13.
The two giraffes share the same dad, 11-year-old Rufus, who became a dad for the sixth time, just six weeks on from the birth of his fifth calf, Kingsley.
It is hoped the birth will provide fresh hope for the species, which is classed as endangered in the wild due to loss of habitat from deforestation and poaching.
Angela Potter, head of wildlife, said, “We are so delighted to welcome another giraffe calf into our herd, just six weeks since Kingsley was born, and it is going to be lovely to see the two calves growing up together.
"Akacia’s best friend Arusha, dam (mother) to Kingsley, remained close by during the birth and even helped to clean and stimulate the new calf.
“After several attempts, he was up on his feet within 50 minutes and was suckling soon after.
"Rothschild’s giraffes are listed as vulnerable to extinction by the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature), with fewer than 2,500 remaining in East Africa, so each birth is vitally important to raise awareness of the plight of their wild counterparts.”
Keepers decided to name the latest arrival Kris after the park's managing director Chris Kelly as all babies born in 2022 have names beginning with ‘K’.
Kris and Akacia will be allowed access outside to the giraffe yard this week and then will be slowly introduced to the rest of the herd.
