The rare black wildebeest may be completely wiped out in the wild, but visitors to a Westcountry attraction will be able to see the beautiful creature.

Newquay Zoo in Cornwall is home to the mammal, also known as a white-tailed gnu.

The wildebeest arrived at Newquay Zoo 18 months ago, after travelling to England from Zoo Dvur Kralove in the Czech Republic. They formed part of the zoo's large exhibition of zebra, waterbuck, lechwe antelope and cranes – a group which has swelled with the arrival of the baby black wildebeest.

John Meek, the zoo's animal collection manager, said: "We have had a fantastic summer of births this year, from meerkats and fishing cats to capybara and macaque babies.

"It has been topped off by the successful birth this summer of a little, male black wildebeest.

"He is doing extremely well and is now out in the main African savanna exhibit on most days with his parents keeping a close eye on him.

"Malaga and Lazar are very protective of him, and making sure nothing gets too close to their precious new arrival."

The black wildebeest is a much-threatened species, extinct in the wild, and found in conservation reserves across Africa.