There’s a brand new face towering over the East African Reserve at Longleat Safari Park, and he’s already turning heads in the most spectacular way! Meet Stanley, a three-year-old Nubian bull giraffe who arrived at Longleat Safari Park in June 2026 as part of a global mission to protect one of the world’s most endangered large mammals.
TL;DR: Stanley is a three-year-old Nubian bull giraffe who joined Longleat’s herd in June 2026. He’s part of the European Endangered Species Programme, with fewer than 500 Nubian giraffes left in the wild. You can spot him on the Drive Through Safari, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year!
Standing nearly 4 metres tall and still growing, Stanley is an absolutely breathtaking sight. But his arrival is about so much more than wow-factor. With fewer than 500 Nubian giraffes remaining in their natural habitat, Stanley’s future role at Longleat could genuinely help save his species. This is one family day out with a real conservation story at its heart!
Who Is Stanley?
Stanley is a three-year-old Nubian giraffe, one of the rarest giraffe subspecies on the planet. He arrived at Longleat in June 2026, joining a herd of female Nubian giraffes who were all born at the park. And while he might look a little gangly right now, he has some serious growing still to do!
Stanley’s Fast Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Age | 3 years old |
| Current height | Nearly 4 metres (13 feet) |
| Potential adult height | Up to 6 metres (20 feet) |
| Species | Nubian giraffe (tallest of all giraffe subspecies) |
| Role | Part of the European Endangered Species Programme |
| Where to see him | Drive Through Safari, East African Reserve |
Adult male Nubian giraffes can reach up to 6 metres tall, making them the tallest of all giraffe subspecies. So Stanley, impressive as he already is, has quite the growth spurt ahead of him! Keepers at Longleat are giving him time to settle in and get comfortable with his new herd before he takes on his full role in the breeding programme.
Why Stanley’s Arrival Matters
This isn’t just a lovely new animal for visitors to admire. Stanley’s arrival is a genuinely important moment for conservation, and here’s why.
Nubian giraffes are critically endangered. It is estimated that fewer than 500 remain in the wild, making them one of the most vulnerable large mammals on Earth. Habitat loss, poaching, and human conflict have pushed this subspecies to the brink, and without active intervention, their future is deeply uncertain.
Filling Big Shoes
Longleat’s previous male giraffe, Thorn, was a legend at the park. During his lifetime he sired an incredible 29 calves, making him one of the most successful breeding males in the European Endangered Species Programme (EES Programme). Sadly, Thorn passed away in 2024, leaving the herd without a male for the first time in years.
Stanley is his successor. Keepers are optimistic that, once he reaches full maturity, he will carry on Thorn’s extraordinary legacy and help grow the captive population of this critically imperilled subspecies.
“Longleat has been one of the most important parks for the Nubian giraffe programme. To start that journey again is a privilege.” Darren Beasley, Director of Animal Operations, Longleat
A 58-Year Legacy of Giraffe Conservation
Longleat’s commitment to giraffes runs deep. The park first welcomed giraffes back in 1968, and since then the herd has flourished, raising over 100 multi-generational calves as part of an international breeding programme. That’s a remarkable record, and one that makes Longleat one of the most important sites in Europe for giraffe conservation.
Stanley joins a herd of female Nubian giraffes, all of whom were born at the park. He’s coming home to a family that already has Longleat in its DNA!
Where and How to See Stanley at Longleat
The great news for families is that Stanley is already out and about! You can spot him alongside the rest of the herd during the famous Drive Through Safari in the East African Reserve.
And 2026 is a very special year to visit. The Drive Through Safari is celebrating its 60th anniversary, making this summer one of the most exciting times in the park’s history to drive through and come face to face with the animals. There’s something extra magical about knowing that families have been doing exactly this since 1966!
Tips for Spotting Stanley
- Arrive early in the day when the giraffes tend to be most active
- Keep an eye out for the tallest silhouette in the reserve. At nearly 4 metres, Stanley is hard to miss!
- Stay in your vehicle and follow all keeper instructions during the Drive Through Safari
- Bring binoculars for an even closer look at the herd from a distance
- Be patient! The giraffes roam freely, so every visit is different
The Drive Through Safari is included as part of your general Longleat admission, so there’s no extra cost to catch a glimpse of Stanley and his herd. It’s one of the most iconic wildlife experiences in the UK, and right now, it’s better than ever!
Planning Your Visit to Longleat Safari Park
Stanley is a brilliant reason to plan a trip, but Longleat has plenty more to keep the whole family entertained for a full day out. Here’s what you need to know before you go.
What’s Included at Longleat
Beyond the Drive Through Safari, your visit to Longleat includes a huge range of attractions and experiences:
- Koala Creek and other walk-through animal areas
- Adventure Castle play area for younger children
- Longleat House (the stunning stately home at the heart of the estate)
- Jungle Kingdom and various themed rides
- Feeding experiences and keeper talks throughout the day
- Hedge Maze (one of the largest in the world!)
Good to Know Before You Go
| Location | Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 7NW |
| Best for | Families with children of all ages |
| Drive Through Safari | Included in standard admission |
| Booking | Advance booking strongly recommended |
| Parking | On-site parking available |
Pro tip: Book your tickets in advance to guarantee entry on your chosen date, especially during school holidays and summer weekends. Longleat is one of the UK’s most popular safari parks, and it gets busy!
Ready to plan your visit? Check out the full attraction guide and book your tickets through Day Out With The Kids’ Longleat page, or browse all our zoo and safari park tickets for more incredible animal days out across the UK.
A Visit Worth Making This Summer
Stanley’s arrival is a reminder of why places like Longleat matter so much. Every time a family drives through the East African Reserve and spots a giraffe stretching its neck above the treeline, they’re not just having an amazing day out. They’re connecting with a conservation story that genuinely makes a difference.
With the Drive Through Safari marking its 60th anniversary, a brand new bull giraffe settling into the herd, and all of Longleat’s incredible attractions waiting to be explored, this summer is a fantastic time to visit. Don’t miss your chance to say hello to Stanley!
Ready to book? Head to our Longleat Safari Park page for everything you need to plan the perfect family day out.