Wildlife park celebrates first Highland calf birth

A wildlife park is celebrating the birth of a Highland calf, believed to be the first in its history, as it marks its 70th anniversary.

Maggie was born overnight on 1 October at Beale Wildlife Park in Lower Basildon, near Pangbourne in Berkshire.

Keeper Dougie Ford said she had settled in "really, really well" and bonded quickly with the rest of the herd.

"Within an hour she was already happy for us to go and handle her," he said. "Both the bull and the other cow have been looking after her. It's really, really heartening."

The calf was named after her mother, Morag, and has already been nicknamed "Maggie Moo".

Ford said the calf had proved a hit with visitors.

"The other day we found her nestling in the nettles, we brought her out and within seconds 50 people were up against the fence all taking pictures," he said.

Her father, Hamish, has already fathered five calves at another park. "He's a proper dad," said Ford.

"I'm just really pleased that we have the opportunity to work with these guys and to show the public what a fantastic beast they are," he added.