IT has been a busy year for West Midland Safari Park who have celebrated a number of new births throughout 2017.

From a playful rhino, to a tiny pancake tortoise - the animals have been lucky enough to have been given some festive treats from Park staff over the Christmas period.

First to receive their present, was Rothschild giraffe calf Fennessy, who was one of the first babies of 2017, born on January 14.

Along with mother, Arusha, and the rest of the herd, his dedicated keeper Becky Nock fed him lucerne - their favourite forage - from a huge Christmas stocking. Once the giraffe were used to the stocking, the little calf was delighted with his special treat.

Kidderminster Shuttle:

Next on the list, was the Humboldt penguins and their four newest additions - Fee, Fi, Frodo and Fum. Keepers were determined to wish the penguins a 'Merry Fish-mas' and gave the colony their favourite fishy treat in little gift boxes - complete with wrapping paper and decorative ribbon.

Frodo was particularly excited about his first Christmas and took the lead in eating the fish. His other siblings eventually followed and tucked in to their scrumptious sprats.

Kidderminster Shuttle:

Pancake tortoise Finn, who became an internet sensation during the summer, was lucky enough to have his very own sprout for his Christmas dinner. The tiny tortoise - who is now bigger than a 50 pence coin - was dwarfed by the giant vegetable, but he happily chomped away and proved that sprouts are indeed delicious.

Kidderminster Shuttle:

Finally, southern white rhino Fahari, the youngest of the Park's babies, was given a new toy for her first Christmas. At three-months-old Fahari is still reliant upon her mum's milk, so instead of a tasty treat, she received a giant papier mache Christmas pudding.

The youngster has been making a big impression on the safari and didn't disappoint onlookers when she playfully nudged her new toy. Even mum, Keyah, join in with the fun by charging straight at the pudding and squashing it with her huge horn.

Kidderminster Shuttle:

Angela Potter, head of wildlife, said: "We have enjoyed seeing all our 2017 babies growing and thriving throughout the year.

"Each birth is a result of careful planning and the dedication of our skilled wildlife team.

"Our breeding success helps the future of many of the species in our care and it is one of the best parts of the job to see these healthy youngsters doing so well and joining in with the Christmas festivities."

The giraffe, penguin, pancake tortoise and Southern white rhino are all at risk in the wild and successful births are vital to continue the healthy populations of these animals. All four species are part of the European Endangered Species Programme (EESP), which aims to conserve and protect animals under threat from a variety of issues, such as habitat loss.

Each year, the Park chooses a different letter to name of the new animals born. The letter 'F' was chosen for 2017 and meant that keepers had to be quite inventive with the names they choose.

While the severe weather conditions linger, keepers take extra care to look after the animals by ensuring they are warm and comfortable in their enclosures, with plenty of food. Most species choose to stay inside, especially the younger animals born this year.

Christmas Day is a normal working day for the Safari Park's keepers, who keep it "business as usual". They wish their animal family a Merry Christmas and give them an extra special Christmas lunch, while continuing their regular daily husbandry tasks.