IT was game, set, match, as Wimbledon excitement hit West Midland Safari Park.

Staff at the park faced the challenge to create an extra special fruity drink to serve to the giraffe during the Wimbledon fortnight.

While not really a match for the traditional tipple favoured by many, a refreshing glass of Pimms, it was set to make a big impression on the giraffes, three-year-old Lottie and 11-year-old Henry, who both appeared to love the concoction made from a combination of natural orange flavours and chopped fresh fruit.

As was most fitting for a giraffe-sized portion, it was no less than mixed doubles all the way which were of course shaken, not stirred.

Shelley Tudor, head giraffe keeper, said: “When it comes to drinking, it could be said that giraffe are at a disadvantage since many of the environments they originate from in the wild are arid.

“They then rely on moisture that is absorbed from leaves during cool nights and from coastal fog that covers part of desert regions. Where water is readily available, giraffe will often drink daily, bending their knees in an ungainly fashion enabling them to use their long neck to its best advantage to reach down to the water.

“The giraffe at West Midland Safari Park don’t have to seek out refreshment in earnest, which is in plentiful supply in their night quarters and in the drive through giraffe paddock. However, giraffe are partial to sweet tastes and therefore purely as a limited edition that will only be available on selected mornings during Wimbledon fortnight, they will be treated to this extra-special fruit cocktail to start their day.

“Staff think that it’s an ace idea to spoil the animals on such occasions.”