Critically endangered Nubian bull giraffe joins the herd at Longleat Safari Park
Stanley, who’s nearly four years old, joins nine female giraffes as part of a global conservation effort
A critically endangered Nubian giraffe has joined the herd at Longleat Safari Park, boosting hopes for the species’ survival.
Stanley, a young bull, who’s nearly four years old, is settling in with nine female giraffes as part of a global conservation programme, with just 455 of his kind remaining in the wild.
He arrived at Longleat on Wednesday (June 10) and will stay in a paddock next to the giraffe house on the park's Drive Through Safari, allowing him to acclimate and get to know his companions, all of whom were born through the European Endangered Species Programme.
Stanley's arrival comes after the loss of Longleat's previous bull, Thorn, in 2024 who fathered 29 calves during his lifetime.
Darren Beasley, Head of Animal Operations, said: "It's fantastic to welcome a new bull giraffe to our herd with the prospect of once again helping the EEP.
"We sadly lost our previous bull, Thorn, in 2024, who fathered 29 calves in his lifetime. 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."
Currently standing between 3.5 and four metres tall, Stanley still has some growing to do.
Adult male Nubian giraffes can reach heights of up to six metres, making them the tallest of all giraffe subspecies.
Visitors cam see Stanley can be seen alongside Longleat's giraffe tower at the park's Drive Through Safari.