THREE giraffe have moved into a new £1.1million home in Easter Compton.

The trio from the Netherlands and Germany were brought to Wild Place Project over the space of two days in a special six-wheeled trailer with a roof which could be raised to give the giraffe plenty of head room.

The world’s tallest animals were carefully unloaded before undergoing thorough health checks by Wild Place Project vets, before being guided into their new home.

Will Walker, animal manager at Wild Place Project, said: “They are naturally inquisitive animals and are enjoying exploring their new surroundings.

“I am thrilled to see them here. It's 10 years since I have worked with them but they are my favourite species. There’s just something about their demeanour and their behaviour.

“They look down at you and they appear quite aloof and you never quite know what they are thinking. But they are such impressive animals.”

Nigel Simpson, head of operations at Wild Place Project, said: “Everyone has been looking forward to the giraffe arriving and it is great to see them already settling in so well. Thanks to the new Giraffe House our visitors will be able to see these lovely creatures both indoors and out.

“Their arrival is a major step forward for Wild Place but it is also crucially important in the survival of these graceful animals.”

“Kordofan giraffe are in very serious trouble in the wild with threats from habitat loss due to huge herds of cattle present in the area and poaching for bushmeat, these iconic animals are disappearing quickly and quietly towards extinction. If nothing is done to protect them, there is a real chance they will be lost forever.”

Two of the giraffe are named Gerry and Tom, with the third to be named either Bem, Dayo and Lesedi.

Bem originates from Africa and means Peace, Dayo means joy or happiness to come and Lesedi originates from a tribe in Southern Africa called the Sesotho and means Light.

The giraffe, aged 18 months, two years and three years, are fed on a diet of pellets which are made out of compressed acacia. They will also be given browse and Lucerne.

People can vote for their favourite name by visiting the Wild Place Facebook page at www.facebook.com/wildplacebristol

The new two-storey high purposed built giraffe house, which was created and sponsored by construction group Dribuild, is part of a 1.8 acre enclosure in Wild Place Project’s new Bénoué National Park exhibit, and includes special viewing areas at ground and first floor level for guests.