MEET Smithills Open Farms newest edition — after a surprise arrival last week.

The tiny newborn, who was just 11 pounds when born — about half the average weight — is the farm's 17th llama after mum Jaffa gave birth on Thursday morning.

But the poor mite has been through a lot in a short time — her small frame meant that farm owner Carl Grimshaw and his staff have been working around the clock to make sure the brown and white cria, who is yet to be named, has had enough food and warmth to keep her alive.

Finally after a few tense days using syringes and bottles to feed her and keep her warm, the baby camelid is finally feeding from her mother.

Mr Grimshaw said: "It was touch and go for a time because of the freezing cold weather, but thankfully it warmed up a little and she's slowly getting stronger. We've even had her under a heat lamp and wearing a jumper at night because it's been so cold.

"You can never really tell when llamas are going to give birth — she just arrived on Thursday at about 8am. Thankfully her mother is calm and friendly and has let us touch and look after her because she was so small when she was born.

"I'm really pleased she's doing so well."

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