Young giraffe Rian is looking up to his housemates at Folly Farm in every sense of the word.

For the 18-month-old youngster, who arrived in Pembrokeshire on Monday, stands a mere ten foot tall - several feet below the lofty heights of resident giraffes Zulu, Rafiki and Taharqa.

The friendly little fellow has taken a real shine to Rafiki.

"He follows him around everywhere, much like a younger sibling would," said zoo manager Tim Morphew, who described the new arrival as 'an absolute star'.

Tim and his staff at Folly Farm were devastated last year when two of the giraffe, half-brothers Ja Ja and Karma, died from natural causes.

And while Rian, who has come from Blackpool Zoo, can never take their place, he will help the zoo play an important conservation role.

"By homing surplus male giraffe, Folly Farm is aiding other zoos by helping them protect the blood lines within their giraffe breeding programmes," explained Tim.

“Rian’s arrival is also hugely important as part of Folly Farm’s active role in cooperative conservation programmes run by zoos throughout the UK.”

Rian can be seen in Folly Farm's purpose-built, £1 million, giraffe house and enclosure in the Motobo Hills area of the zoo.