STAFF at Knowsley Safari Park have been thrilled by the arrival of two adorable giraffes.

The latest arrivals are a pair of adult males - called Alexander, four and Orbit, who turns three this month, are moving to Knowsley Safari from Woburn Safari Park, where they were born.

Both have been the result of successful breeding programmes and are now being moved to Knowsley as young males because in the wild they would naturally leave their herd and form bachelor groups until maturity.

Eveline de Wolf, head of living collection at Knowsley Safari, said: “While giraffe may be commonly seen in zoological collections and on the African savannah, this iconic species is undergoing a silent extinction.

“It is important that we continue to enhance awareness for the giraffe and take action for its survival.

“Holding a male only group is a highly important aspect for the success of the European Breeding Programme and at the same time our visitors can appreciate these majestic animals in all their glory.

“Our guests will be able to observe Rigsby, our ‘old-time’ giraffe resident, teaching the young boys some giraffe etiquette.

“The three boys provide a great platform for our popular giraffe talk, where people can find out what actions are taken to help save them in the wild.”