AFTER a barren year, baby giraffes are again appearing at Marwell Zoo.

Zara was born on June 19 and is said to be doing well.

Already Zara and her mother Matilda are mingling with the other giraffes.

Zoo staff are pleased to see Zara after no giraffes were born in 2002 following three in 2001.

It's a success for Christopher, the 12-year-old male brought in to woo the ladies at the zoo near Winchester.

Giraffes at Marwell are traditionally named after royalty, both past and present, so Zara's namesake is Zara Phillips, daughter of the Princess Royal.

Meanwhile, the zoo could soon be celebrating the first birth of a flamingo.

Despite having the exotic birds for decades there has never been a chick hatched.

But one of the birds has laid an egg and is diligently sitting on top.

Zoo spokesman Gaynor Worman said: "It would be the first time here, which would be good."