Staff at a local zoo are mourning this week after the loss of one of their adult female giraffes whilst she was in labour.

Visitors to Marwell Zoo near Winchester in Hampshire, watched as the 7 year old giraffe named Jane struggle during labour. When the park closed at 5pm keepers were hopeful that mother and calf would be healthy, however later that evening staff and a vet had to intervene.

The calf was still born and as a result of the complications Jane had suffered paralysis of the hind limbs. The decision was made that no further aide could be provided and she was humanely euthanized.

The same animal had given birth to a stillborn calf last year and keepers say that their must have been an internal problem that prohibited a healthy pregnancy.

Head keeper Ian Peters said ‘We are all very upset and hope that this will end our run of bad luck with the giraffes.’

Elsewhere however the news is better, the recently born Amur Leopard cub has been named Kiska, after received over 40% of an on-line poll. The name, meaning pure, is Russian and the young cub is quickly becoming the centre attraction at the Hampshire tourist attraction.

Kiska, now a month old is a critically endangered Amur Leopard of which there are only thought to be 36 left in the world. It is thought that she will be transferred to another zoo in the near future to make up part of the international breading programme.