Keepers at Wild Place Project have celebrated the birthday of one of the world’s smallest species of antelopes, despite the park currently being closed to the public.

The tiny Kirk’s dik dik, named Croissant, turned five on Sunday and, despite the lack of visitors, keepers made a special effort to mark the occasion.

Croissant, along with fellow dik diks Streusel, Éclair and Macaroon, enjoyed a birthday cake made from their favourite food complete with celery ‘candles’, a buffet of fresh vegetables, flowers in a cabbage vase and even cabbage bunting – all presented on a tiny makeshift table.

Keeper Daniella Pearce-Butler said: “We all need a bit of cheerful news at the moment, so we thought we’d throw Croissant a little birthday party to celebrate. I think they wondered what we were doing at first, but were quick to tuck in and seemed to enjoy it!”

Dik-diks are native to eastern and southern Africa and get their name from the distinctive trumpet-like call which the females emit to raise an alarm, to harass predators or publicise the presence of a mated pair.

Wild Place Project is owned and run by Bristol Zoological Society who last week launched a fundraising appeal to ensure the future of its work saving wildlife. To find out more go to uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/covid19appeal