DUDLEY Zoo's youngest reindeer is now six weeks old and keepers have just discovered its another girl.

The new arrival, now called Jasmine, was born to 13-year-old mum, Blizzard on August 14 and caused excitement as she was the second baby we had born out of season this summer, following half-sister, Sunflower, who was born on July 19.

Apprentice keeper, Ellis Robinson, said: “Jasmine is doing really well and has really increased in size over the last few weeks.

"She’s very friendly and always comes up to say hello to us.

“She especially loves tearing around the enclosure, playing with Sunflower and Sunflower’s mum, Lily, who also happens to be Jasmine’s half-sister, as they share the same mum.”

Their unusually timed births coincide with the arrival of dad, Ghost, who only came to the zoo shortly before Christmas last year but got straight down to business.

Reindeer rutting season is typically around this time of year and Ghost is now entering his annual rut.

Ellis added: “During this time the bulls can become aggressive as they become protective of the females in their herd as they begin to breed.

“For our own safety and theirs, we make sure we don’t go into the paddock with the reindeer during this time, especially also considering the size of Ghost’s antlers at the moment.

“But fingers crossed Jasmine and Sunflower will have a few more siblings to play with next year.”