Baby alpaca surprises all but mum>video

BIG woolly jumpers can hide a multitude of lumps and bumps – even one containing a baby for almost a year.

For 11-months, one of East Parks' Alpacas hid her secret child from rangers at its animal centre.

However, when they arrived for work at the park in Holderness Road, east Hull, last weekend all was revealed.

They were greeted by a bouncing new baby alpaca.

Becky McGowan, wildlife ranger at the park, said: "It was a nice surprise because we did not know she was pregnant. Usually they get really big, but she showed no signs. It must have all been hidden by her woolly coat.

"What made it more surprising was that we thought the male who was with the alpacas was infertile.

"He was with us for a long time, but had never produced and has now gone elsewhere.

"However, he has left us with a lovely little one, who is doing really well."

The newborn was discovered by the rangers at 7.30am on Saturday.

They are yet to discover whether the young cria – the name for a baby alpaca – is a male or female as they are allowing the youngster to adjust to its new surroundings.

It is being looked after by Becky and her colleague Karen Pennock, who is the newest recruit to East Park's wildlife rangers.

The cria, who has not been named, is a half-sibling to Puddle, whose mother gave birth at the height of the 2007 flooding.

It also stands out from the crowd because it has a sandy coat rather than chocolate like all the other alpacas at the park.

The rangers didn't think they would see any new arrivals, as they are generally born in June or July.

Becky said: "The timing also caught us out because it is so late.

"Alpacas give birth during the warmer months, as it gives the babies the best chance of survival.

"We will be keeping a close eye on it and once it has put a bit of weight on, it will be fine.

"When it was born, we left the mother and child together to bond for a few days.

"But now it is outside playing around and getting to know all our other alpacas.

"And our new arrival is already displaying the cute features and gentle nature, which is typical of the breed."