Two new arrivals at a wildlife park will be shocked when the gates open again, after being born into the venue during lockdown, according to rangers.

The baby Bactrian camels, namesd Marvin and Merlin, were born in April at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, and have just been placed in the main herd in their reserve.

According to the park, they are the first camel calves to be born during the coronavirus lockdown.

A spokesman said: “The park has had previous success with breeding camels but these are the first calves to be born at the park who have never seen a visitor, so it will be a surprise for them when the park reopens.

“Merlin is darker in colour than Marvin but the two are becoming firm friends as they explore the extensive camel reserve together.”

Merlin, the darker camel, was born on 23 April, with Marvin arriving a couple of weeks earlier on the 10 April.

The team leader of Hoofstock, Ayesha Seston, said: “Both of the new calves are males and seem to be having the best time ever, enjoying the sun, bonding with their mothers, and getting to know the rest of the herd.

“Bactrian camels are very family-oriented animals with strong bonds within the herd. It is clear that they are all delighted with the new additions and so are we.

“It is great to have new babies here at the park. They create so much joy among the animals and the rangers, especially during such uncertain times.

“The weather during April has been amazing and at this time of year the park would normally be booming with visitors. The children love to see the baby animals, but it’s all strangely quiet this year due to the temporary closure of the park.”

The gestation period for a Bactrian camel is 13 months, with the newborns staying with their mothers for a considerable length of time after they are born.

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