The birth of a chimp at Wingham Wildlife Park has surprised keepers - because the mum was on the pill.

But they are hugely excited by the new arrival 11 days ago and the baby female joins a family of seven chimps which arrived at the park in October 2016 after a long campaign to bring them to Wingham from a research centre in America where they had spent all their lives.

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They included five females, the lead one of which, Tara, gave birth on January 19.

She fell pregnant after mating with alpha male Fritz despite a strict contraception regime.

Park managing director Tony Binskin said: "The gestation period for a chimpanzee is eight months and we suspected that she might be pregnant at around three months, which a test confirmed.

"At that point we separated Tara from the rest of the group and after her baby girl was born, gradually re-introduced her to the other members.

"Tara is doing an amazing job looking after the baby, who we haven't named yet, and we look forward to her becoming an integral part of our chimpanzee group.

"Just like her parents and the rest of her now extended family, this little girl has a home for life with us" - Tony Binskin

"Just like her parents and the rest of her now extended family, this little girl has a home for life with us, and we look forward to seeing her place in the group and personality grow and shine over years to come."

The birth is also evidence that the group, who came from a research laboratory setting, have settled happily in their new open air and indoor environment.

They have also been an exciting attraction for visitors and the new baby is expected to be a big draw.

Mr Binskin said: "Visitors to the park might catch a glimpse of the baby, if mum will allow it, and while it is still very early days, Tara, with a little help from her keepers, is setting her baby up for a great life. Something that is great to see, especially for a first time mum."

The first chimps to be born in Kent were at Howletts Wild Animal Park in the late 70s and early 80s