Endangered Rothschild giraffe arrives just in time for Bank Holiday sunshine!

We’ve had an exciting a new arrival – a two-year-old giraffe called Ballycarry. And the timing is perfect for animal lovers looking to visit us for half term.

‘Carry’ has arrived from Belfast Zoo as part of a European breeding programme and has already joined Marwell’s other giraffes – female Christa and male Mburo.

Visitors will be able to see Carry out in the park, although visitors are asked to keep their distance as she settles in.

Animal Operations Manager Ian Goodwin said: “We’re really excited to welcome another Rothschild giraffe to Marwell as we continue to grow the herd here at the zoo. As an Endangered species, every giraffe plays an important role in the long-term future of the population in conservation zoos.

“Giraffes are such an iconic species, and it’s always special to welcome a new individual to the zoo. We’re looking forward to getting to know Carry’s personality over the coming weeks and we know that our visitors will love seeing her!”

Carry has joined Marwell as part of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) Ex-situ Programme. This is a highly coordinated, cooperative captive breeding and population management programme managed by the EAZA.

Not only will visitors get to see Carry, but also take part in our exciting new Zoo Wonders event starting tomorrow (Sat 23 May 2026).

Interactive activities, behind the scenes facts and hands-on challenges will show people more about the hidden side of zoo life and see what keeps Marwell operating every day.

From weighing animal feed to sorting recycling, stocktaking or tracking important animal data, there’s so much to see and learn.

From 23 May to 31 May 2026, activities include:

• Hands-on discovery hub, daily between 10.30am to 3.30pm in the Secret Garden
• Glitter tattoos, daily between 10am to 2pm (additional charge applies)
• Take photos with the Marwell machines dotted around the park
• Daily animal feeds and talks
• Virtual reality experience: under the Asian canopies, daily between 10am to 1pm in the giraffe house (additional charge applies)

Alongside Carry’s arrival, visitors can also spot some of Marwell’s newest baby animals, including, Amali the white rhino calf, a potoroo joey, a Chacoan mara pup, as well as several young primates such as a saki monkey baby, cotton-headed tamarins and Guacamole the coppery titi monkey.

Advance booking is recommended, with annual members enjoying free entry. By visiting Marwell, you’re contributing to the vital conservation projects here in the UK and across the globe.