Filed under: Travel News
Chester Zoo
The Rothschild giraffe calf - the world's most endangered sub-species of giraffe - was born on 25 March to first-time mum Orla after a 14-month pregnancy. She weighed in at 52kgs.
Chester Zoo
"Millie was up on her feet within just a few minutes of being born and she began suckling from mum not long after. Already she is strong and tall which is really pleasing.
"Rothschild giraffes are very, very rare indeed and so careful, managed breeding programmes in zoos and wildlife parks are vital for their long-term future. We're therefore obviously delighted with our newcomer."
Chester Zoo
According to conservationists there are now less than 670 Rothschild giraffes left in the wild, following the loss of their traditional habitat in their native Kenya and Uganda and their poaching for their meat. The species is the most endangered of the nine sub-species of giraffe.
As well as its breeding successes, Chester Zoo has also supported important projects in the wild, including the first ever scientific review of the Rothschild giraffe with the aim of developing a long-term conservation strategy for the species in Africa.
Chester Zoo
The species is identified by its broader dividing white lines and has no spots beneath the knees.
Chester Zoo
Two endangered Asian elephants, two critically endangered black rhinos, two critically endangered Sumatran orangutans, an okapi and two giant otter pups, as well as Kanzi, another Rothschild giraffe, have all been part of the zoo's recent baby boom.
And long may it continue.
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Stunning Sumatran tiger cub makes debut at Chester Zoo
See more stunning baby zoo animals here:
Baby zoo animals around the world
- Javan leopard cubs<p> These babies, named Sri Kandi (left) and Arjuna (right) were born at Tierpark, Berlin, Germany. They made their debut on 5 March 2012.</p>
![Javan leopard cubs]()
- Asian Orang utan<p> Clinging to his mum, baby Changi meets his public for the first time at Krefeld Zoo, Germany.</p>
![Asian Orang utan]()
- White rhino<p> This little rhino, named Male, was born in January. He's pictured here with his mother, Mana, at Magdeburg Zoo, Germany.</p>
![White rhino]()
- Dingo puppies<p> The zoo at Tierpark in Berlin celebrated the birth of a litter of four dingo babies in January.</p>
![Dingo puppies]()
- Shy baby giraffe<p> Only a few days old, this baby giraffe, named Kimarle, peaks out from her enclosure at the ZOOM Zoo in Gelsenkirchen, western Germany. The 170cm tall giraffe was born on March 9.</p>
![Shy baby giraffe]()
- Squirrel monkey and mum<p> A one-month-old baby squirrel monkey clings to its mother's back at Qingdao Forest Wildlife Park, China.</p>
![Squirrel monkey and mum]()
- Gorilla and mum<p> A two-week old baby gorilla is cuddled by her mum, Mumba, a Western Lowland Gorilla, at Port Lympne Wild Animal Park near Ashford, Kent.</p>
![Gorilla and mum]()
- Tiny hedgehog<p> Born at Cincinnati Zoo, US, this one-month old hedgehog is being hand reared by keepers until it is old enough to be included in the zoo's outreach programme.</p>
![Tiny hedgehog]()
- Happy elephant<p> Ludwig the baby elephant is clearly happy to be out and about at the Tierpark Hellabrunn Zoo, Munich.</p>
![Happy elephant]()
- Cuddling meerkats<p> These cuties were born in February at Bristol Zoo Gardens.</p>
![Cuddling meerkats]()
- Polar bear cub<p> This cub was born prematurely at Toronto Zoo. His mum rejected him soon after he was born, so he was cared for by staff at the zoo. Here he is making his debut in February.</p>
![Polar bear cub]()
- Baby gorilla, Dublin Zoo<p> This six-month old baby Western Lowland Gorilla is seen here enjoying the spring sunshine with her mother at Dublin Zoo.</p>
![Baby gorilla, Dublin Zoo]()
Chester Zoo is the perfect place for a day trip over the Easter holidays. Discover more brilliant UK trip ideas here:
Easter holidays: UK days out with the kids
- Enjoy the great outdoors at Chatelherault Country Park<p> For a fabulous family drive, head for Lanarkshire, where the ancient hunting lodge and grounds of <a href="http://www.visitlanarkshire.com/attractions/child-friendly/Chatelherault-Country-Park/" target="_blank">Chatelherault</a> await you this March. Located a short distance from Edinburgh and Glasgow, the attraction makes for a great day out, whether you want to learn about the past or get active outdoors. Pit your wits against Chatelherault's Easter quiz this bank holiday weekend.</p>
![Enjoy the great outdoors at Chatelherault Country Park]()
- Enjoy a family golf break in Dartmouth<p> Explore stunning south-west England this half term with <a href="http://www.dgcc.co.uk/" target="_blank">Dartmouth Golf & Country Club</a>'s luxury lodge late deal, which includes B&B, a free use of the leisure facilities for six people, costing £599. The resort is ideally located for exploring historic Dartmouth and the delights of South Devon.</p>
![Enjoy a family golf break in Dartmouth]()
- Walk along the Wey & Arun Canal<p> While the narrow boats are being spruced up for the boat trips season in March, the <a href="http://www.weyandarun.co.uk/" target="_blank">Wey & Arun Canal</a> has made sure kids can still enjoy being outdoors with two free quiz sheets that make walking along the canal more interesting. The quizzes will give your children the chance to learn about the canal and its surroundings in a fun way. Quiz sheets are available from the Canal Centre beside the Onslow Arms at Loxwood.</p>
![Walk along the Wey & Arun Canal]()
- A hunt with a difference with Peter Rabbit<p> Head to the stunning surrounds of the Lake District to <a href="http://www.hop-skip-jump.com/" target="_blank">The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction</a> and see the landscape that inspired some of the best-loved children's books of all time. Join Peter Rabbit and forage for 50 limited edition ceramic eggs on 4 April. This year, in honour of their nominated charity WaterAid, eggs will be hidden around the lakes and waterways of Windermere. to take part, <a href="http://www.hop-skip-jump.com/egg-hunt-form" target="_blank">give a £2 donation</a> to WaterAid. Admission to park costs £6.95 for adults and £3.65 for children.</p>
![A hunt with a difference with Peter Rabbit]()
- Take a break at a great British pub<p> Ok, so this one isn't for the kids per se, but we're sure they won't complain when you stop here for lunch. <a href="http://www.blackswancheshire.com/" target="_blank">The Black Swan</a> in Cheshire is a family-friendly pub, where you can relax and feast on dishes like fish and chips, beef burgers and steak. The cosy pub is decorated in chic interiors and it's dog-friendly too. So when the kids have been to their favourite attractions and it's time for the adults to take a break, head for this cute pub in the Cheshire countryside.</p>
![Take a break at a great British pub]()
- Learn about London's horrible histories on a Jack the Ripper walk<p> If your teens love stories about England's past, a Jack the Ripper Secret London walking tour is a must. You'll be whisked through London's streets, learning about the most intriguing characters, like Jack the Ripper, Dick Turpin and Samuel Pepys, and even braver explorers can sample some of the capital's jellied eels! £30 from buyagift's <a href="http://www.buyagift.co.uk/Days-Out/Family-Walking-Tour-Jack-the-Ripper-Secret-London-BR-11820945.aspx" target="_blank">experience days</a></p>
![Learn about London's horrible histories on a Jack the Ripper walk]()
- Whisk the family off to the seaside in Devon<p> Go on a true adventure at <a href="http://www.theoceanviews.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Soar Mill Cove Hotel</a> in South Devon, where you can win the first ever gold medal for Egg Rolling in the Soar Mill olympic event on Easter Sunday. Other events include Egg pitch and putt, a family scavenger egg hunt and a cream tea. £220 per night for a sea view room during Easter for a 7-night break, including Devonshire cream tea, dinners and full Devonshire breakfast every day.</p>
![Whisk the family off to the seaside in Devon]()
- Relax on a farm in Carmarthenshire<p> Visit Carmarthenshire in Wales, the home of <a href="http://www.cwmcrwthfarmcottages.co.uk/" target="_blank">Cwmcrwth Farm</a>, a small rare breed farm nestled in rolling hills, which offers idyllic farm stays for all ages. There are four-star self-catering holiday cottages so you can relax and enjoy the peaceful Welsh countryside and small children will love the hands-on experience of feeding piglets, collecting fresh eggs and visiting the ponies, sheep and goats at the farm. Two-night farm stays from £185.</p>
![Relax on a farm in Carmarthenshire]()
- Go underground in Wales<p> For a weather-proof family day out, look no further than the <a href="http://www.visitwales.co.uk/things-to-do-in-wales/welsh-culture-and-heritage/underground-attractions/" target="_blank">underground attractions of Wales</a>, where you can discover the secrets hidden under the surface, explore mines and caves that lurk deep below the rocks and visit wonderful attractions like Sygun Copper Mine, Electric Mountain and King Arthur's Labyrinth.</p>
![Go underground in Wales]()
- Take part in the the ultimate Easter egg hunt<p> Get swept away on the beautiful Suffolk coastline this Easter and join in Woodbridge's most anticipated annual event: <a href="http://www.thesuffolkcoast.co.uk/the-suffolk-coast/things-we-love/woodbridges-famous-easter-egg-hunt/" target="_blank">the Elmhurst Park Easter Egg Hunt</a>. Taking place on Easter Sunday morning, participants scramble to find one of the whopping 500 eggs that have been hidden all over the park. If bargain hunting is more your thing then head to Woodbridge's Vintage and Modern Market instead. All events are free of charge.</p>
![Take part in the the ultimate Easter egg hunt]()
- Science as you've never seen it at the Royal Gunpowder Mills<p> Explore the gross and grisly side of science at Waltham Abbey's <a href="http://www.royalgunpowdermills.com/" target="_blank">Royal Gunpowder Mills</a> this Easter with a host of explosive, fun-packed activities. Professor Nitrate will show you repulsive and revolting experiments from the past and you'll get involved in all sorts of mess and mayhem in the Mad Lab. Adults £9; children £6.50.</p>
![Science as you've never seen it at the Royal Gunpowder Mills]()
- Harts Barn Cookery School<p> Love the idea of cooking with your kids but hate the idea of the washing up? <a href="http://www.hartsbarncookeryschool.co.uk/home.asp" target="_blank">Harts Barn</a> has the answer. Sign up for their Baking it Together Easter class where parents and their little ones can try out their patisserie skills with bread, cakes and puddings and take all your goodies home with you. Class runs on 27 March and costs £35.00.</p>
![Harts Barn Cookery School]()
- Make chocolate in York<p> Take the family to York, the UK's home of chocolate, this Easter where they can get hands-on making chocolate lollies and seeing the giant eggs made by skilled chocolatiers at <a href="http://www.yorkschocolatestory.com/" target="_blank">York's Chocolate Story</a> from 30 March to 14 April. The attraction features an interactive tour of York's confectionary heritage and you'll be given plenty of opportunities to sample choccy delights. £28 for a family ticket.</p>
![Make chocolate in York]()
- Take part in February frolics at Willows Farm Village<p> <a href="http://www.willowsfarmvillage.com/" target="_blank">Willows Farm Village</a> near St Albans, is hosting a fun-filled Easter Eggstravaganza event from 23 March to 14 April, with falconry displays, baby animal handling and egg hunts with chocolate prizes. Take part in pony grooming and have an animal tea party. Children £14.50; adults £13.50.</p>
![Take part in February frolics at Willows Farm Village]()
- Normans and Crusaders at Arundel Castle<p> Take the kids back in time at <a href="http://www.arundelcastle.org/_pages/03_visitor_info.htm" target="_blank">Arundel Castle</a>. Set within a historical tented encampment, Raven Tor Living History Group will be creating an authentic representation of 12th Century England through a series of events, displays and activities this Easter. Set against the backdrop of Arundel Castle, a key Norman strategy point steeped in 1000 years of history, families can try on armour, watch archery and falconry demonstrations and take part in 12th century cooking demonstrations. Tickets from £8.</p>
![Normans and Crusaders at Arundel Castle]()
- Escape at Ellenborough Park<p> You don't even have to hunt for your exclusive, homemade chocolate egg this Easter at <a href="http://www.ellenboroughpark.com/" target="_blank">Ellenborough Park</a>, head chef David Kelman's creation can be found in your room upon arrival. The Cotswolds' only five star hotel has planned a luxurious getaway this Easter featuring a feast of seasonal food and leisure and spa treatments in Ellenborough's Indian-themed spa. This is definitely one for the grown-ups! A three-night stay costs £690 based on two sharing.</p>
![Escape at Ellenborough Park]()
- Hop on the London Eye<p> Get a bird's eye view of the capital this Easter with a spin on the <a href="http://www.londoneye.com/" target="_blank">EDF Energy London Eye</a> this bank holiday weekend. Edwin the Easter Rabbit will be welcoming families aboard with his very own Chocolate Easter Egg Factory. From 29 March to 1 April families will be able to take a rotation and enjoy a free chocolate egg courtesy of Hotel Chocolat. <a href="https://secure.londoneye.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&catalogId=14554&storeId=10656&productId=4011000169&altEntryPoint=&visitDate=" target="_blank">Book online</a> for a 20 per cent discount, adults £17.20; children £11.07.</p>
![Hop on the London Eye]()
- Experience the newest roller-coaster at Alton Towers<p> Get scared silly at the Alton Towers Resort this Easter and experience a preview of Alton Tower's biggest ever roller-coaster: <a href="http://www.the-smiler.com/thesmiler/" target="_blank">The Smiler</a>. Stay at the <a href="http://www.altontowers.com/hotels/" target="_blank">Alton Towers Hotel</a> in one of the new Moon Voyager bedrooms. Each room sleeps up to five people and has a chill-out area complete with X-box and games. Two nights B&B for a family of four in a Moon Voyager room costs £621, or, visit the park for one day and come back to ride The Smiler for just £1 by booking the <a href="http://www.altontowers.com/events/easter/" target="_blank">Double Joy ticket online</a>: adults £35.65; children £29.35.</p>
![Experience the newest roller-coaster at Alton Towers]()
- Get crafty with den building at WWT Llanelli<p> Join the team at the <a href="http://www.wwt.org.uk/visit/llanelli/" target="_blank">Llanelli Wetland Centre </a>from the 29 March to 14 April for some outdoor Easter exploration. Build your own den out of willow twigs from the wetlands, go pond dipping for newts and great diving beetles and spot baby birds on a guided walk around the grounds. You can even make your own cuddly baby bird to take home at the craft corner. Adults £7.91; children £4.36, under-fours free.</p>
![Get crafty with den building at WWT Llanelli]()
- Sing-a-long with the ZingZillas<p> Visit a Gulliver's this holiday for a host of Easter activities for the whole family like egg hunts and an appearance from the Easter Bunny himself. See the <a href="http://www.gulliversfun.co.uk/warrington/zingzillas-tour-dates.htm" target="_blank">ZingZillas at Gulliver's</a> in either Warrington, Matlock Bath or Milton Keynes this Easter. As well as a live ZingZillas performance, the singing sensations will be available fro VIP meets and greets and photo opportunities. The ZingZillas will be at Matlock Bath on the 23 and 24 March, Milton Keynes from 27 March to 1 April and Warrington from 3 to 8 April. Adults and children £15.95 each.</p>
![Sing-a-long with the ZingZillas]()
