A rare new arrival means resort's zoo goes from strength to strength

There has been a very special arrival for one Blackpool mum - and it's set to make headlines around the world.

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Staff at Blackpool Zoo are celebrating after a rare Asian elephant calf was been born within the herd.

Tara gave birth to the healthy female calf after a pregnancy that lasted almost two years, and both mum and baby are doing well.

The elephant keepers had been involved in years of strategic planning ahead of the happy event, making preparations to carefully manage and mitigate challenges that may have arisen during pregnancy, birth and the postnatal care surrounding such a rare event.

This knowledge, along with the close positive relationships the team have with the herd, meant that when the baby was born and had difficulty suckling, they were able to act quickly.

They provided vital support for the first-time mum, expressing milk from her to ensure the calf received the necessary colostrum that is essential to provide antibodies that are rich in nutrition to help to protect newborns.

Since the birth, the keepers have provided 24-hour monitoring and support and will continue to do so in the coming months. The indoor house has been closed to allow privacy to the herd, enabling them to develop crucial bonds with its newest member. However, it is set to gradually reopen between 11.30am and 2.30pm.