Baby elephant named after inspirational Stephen Sutton

The name Sutton came following a competition held by the Bewdley attraction after staff were unable to come to a decision themselves.

Sutton is the first baby elephant born at West Midland Safari Park in its 41-year history.

The total number of suggestions reached just under 5,000 in a month.

Stephen helped raise millions of pounds for the Teenage Cancer Trust. He died on May 14.

After meeting Five, he said that despite her messy manners he 'had worse dates'.

Bob Lawrence, director of Wildlife, said, "This is a fitting tribute to an inspirational young man who captured the hearts and minds of so many for his remarkable achievements. Stephen and his mother, Jane, met Five in January before the calf was born.

"It was number 30 on Stephen's bucket list to 'hug an animal that is bigger than me'.

"In the event, I think Stephen's legacy has turned into something even bigger.

"There is also another remarkable side to this story. The calf's father - a wild bull elephant from South Africa - is called Steve.

Baby elephant Sutton is now five weeks old and weighs around 130 kg (20 stone) . He is currently piling on the pounds - at about 8kg (18lb) every week.