VISITORS to an award-winning farm park just outside Carlisle in Cumbria will have the chance to see a real-life baby reindeer.

Walby Farm Park is celebrating the birth of a baby reindeer, or ‘calf’ as they are officially known, born on Tuesday, April 30, to mum, Anna.  

The calf has been given time to bond with mum and will now be in the paddock in readiness for May half term visitors to the farm park. 

Walby owner and farmer, Neil Milbourn, said: “Both mum and baby are doing great. The calf is absolutely beautiful and is already quite a character so I’m sure she’ll keep Anna, and us, on our toes!

“There aren’t many reindeer born in the UK each year, so we’re very fortunate to welcome this little one into the Walby family.

"She’s definitely the noisiest calf we’ve ever had and likes to shout for her mum.” 

The new arrival will take the number of reindeer at the popular farm park up to four with the yet-to-be-named calf joining Savanna, Olaf, and Anna. 

As well as watching the baby reindeer calf gallop around the paddock, visitors to Walby during May half-term will also be given the opportunity to pick her name. 

Mr Milbourn continued: "We’re going to be running a competition to name the baby.

“And as there’s nothing more festive than reindeer, the lucky winner will receive a family pass to the 2024 ‘Father Christmas on the Farm’ event later this year."

Other attractions at Walby Farm Park include displays of huge farming machinery, a Potting Shed where you can pot seeds to take home, and a Farm Foam Party. 

All other Walby animals including rabbits and guinea pigs are also ready to meet visitors in the animal barn.

People can enjoy the popular ferret racing attraction, pony grooming activities, feeding the goats and lambs, Walby's Roman Fort Milecastle 62, and an adventure play barn which is the largest in the county.