Port Lympne Reserve has welcomed its first giraffe since 2018 and she has been named Jude after England football star Jude Bellingham following her perfectly timed arrival during a weekend of World Cup excitement.
Born on Saturday 11th July, just hours before England’s victory over Norway, the healthy Nubian giraffe calf has already captured the hearts of her keepers. Standing an impressive 5ft 8in tall, Jude was given her name after the Port Lympne team overwhelmingly voted to honour the England midfielder, whose outstanding performance provided the perfect inspiration for the reserve’s newest arrival.
Jude’s arrival is a major conservation milestone, marking Port Lympne’s first giraffe birth in seven years and bringing the Reserve’s herd to eight giraffes, two males and six females.
Tony Kelly, Managing Director for Port Lympne Reserve said:
“Welcoming the first giraffe born at Port Lympne since 2018 is an incredibly special moment, not just for everyone here, but for giraffe conservation in the UK. The timing of Jude’s arrival, on Saturday when the nation was celebrating England’s World Cup success, made the occasion even more memorable.
“These first few weeks are a delicate time for both mum and calf, so we’re giving them all the care and space they need. Our keepers are with them constantly, and although it’s still early days, we’re delighted with how Jude is progressing, and we look forward to our guests meeting her later this month.”
After a 16-month gestation, mother Leana (born 19 September 2011) safely gave birth to the healthy calf, fathered by Port Lympne’s resident bull giraffe, Zubani (born 10 November 2019). Like most giraffe calves, baby Jude was up on her feet within hours of being born and is continuing to grow stronger every day. Mother and daughter are spending these important early days together in the giraffe house, where Port Lympne’s experienced keepers and dedicated veterinary team are monitoring them around the clock.
Although Jude is not yet on public view, all being well she will make her debut later this month, giving visitors to Wild Summer 2026 the chance to catch a glimpse of one of the UK’s rarest new arrivals.
Nubian giraffes are among the world’s most threatened giraffe subspecies, making every successful birth an important contribution to the international conservation breeding programme and another positive step in safeguarding the future of the species.
Visitors hoping to meet Jude are encouraged to book tickets early for Wild Summer 2026, Port Lympne’s summer celebration packed with family entertainment, animal experiences, and seasonal activities – plus 25% off Kids’ tickets.
Did you know?
- Every giraffe has a unique coat pattern, just like a human fingerprint.
- Despite their incredibly long necks, giraffes have just seven neck vertebrae – the same number as humans.
- A giraffe’s tongue can grow up to 45cm long and is blue-black to help protect it from sunburn.
- Giraffes can run at speeds of up to 35mph.
Find out more about Summer at Port Lympne here.
