We are suckers for a bit of squee at yay! but when it comes to Fota Wildlife Park we’re completely helpless so say hello to their latest arrival Cónan the giraffe!

Isn’t he just adorable! Cónan was born on the 5th of August and the 5ft “baby” has been absolutely thriving. So much so he’s now out with the rest of the herd can be seen by all visiting the park on the beautiful African Savannah.

This is the second giraffe to be born at Fota this year and head warden Willie Duffy is delighted with the little guy’s progress so far…

“…he is a strong little guy and that is why we are able to put him out with the rest of the herd within two weeks of his birth, as he was strong we wanted to give him a name to go with it so Conan the Barbarian came to mind but there is an Irish tradition here so we settled for Cónan which is a name that Aidan one of the wardens has been suggesting for a long time.”

Not bad going considering any giraffe’s first experience is being dropped 6ft as giraffes give birth standing up! Ouch! You can read more about Cónan and his family here on the Fota Wildlife website.

I LOVE Fota

Me giving the ring-tailed lemurs a treat thanks to their keeper

Fota is a place I fell in love with earlier this year. After having a certain red panda adopted for me as an Xmas gift last year I headed down to Cork in February for a long weekend and ended up visiting the park every single day I was there. While I wouldn’t call myself a tree-hugger I have huge love and respect for animals and it is fantastic to see them all roaming around in such wonderful large spaces. The air of contentment from them is remarkably palpable and so enjoyable for everyone from big kids like me to tiny tots.

The giraffe herd are so graceful and beautiful and I could happily watch them strolling majestically around the paddock all day. It’s sad to think that these gorgeous creatures are an endangered species but encouraging to see the giraffe family in Fota growing steadily despite this.

Getting there

If you haven’t made it to Fota yet or been in a while then why not consider making the trip to see Cónan and his clan? Fota is easily accessible by car or by train, open daily and is a non profit organisation.

Supporting the park

If you want to help Fota in the wonderful work they do you can become a member or even adopt an animal at the park to help meet feeding, veterinary and other costs. Click here for all the info on how to get involved.

You can find out more by check out their website, keep up with the latest news here on Facebook and Twitter @fotawildlife.