Zoo's new arrival 'thriving' thanks to keepers' 24-hour feeding service

Bosses at Blackpool Zoo say their new arrival is “thriving” thanks to round-the-clock care from the keepers.

- by Gazette Reporter

Blackpool Zoo's new elephant calf has been getting feeding support from keepers 24 hours a day, seven days a week

(Pictures: Blackpool Zoo)

The zoo welcomed elephant calf Zaiya last month, and she has been getting care 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

A difficult birth combined with the inexperience of first-time mum Tara meant Zaiya did not begin suckling naturally.

This meant keepers had to make the difficult but lifesaving decision to feed Zaiya themselves.

Every two hours, keepers open a specially-designed port leading to a secure calf area adjacent to the herd. When she's ready, Zaiya makes her way through to receive a bottle of specialised elephant milk.