A WALK on the wild side caused a Worcester mum-to-be to go into labour near a herd of elephants.

Jeff and Helen Shelton decided to visit West Midlands Safari Park with a group of relatives despite their baby's imminent due date.

As the family made their way around the Bewdley park, the baking hot day took the better of Mrs Shelton and her waters broke in the elephant enclosure.

The family, travelling in two separate cars, decided it would be taking the idea of natural birth too far.

So, under the watchful eye of a nearby park ranger they began running between the two vehicles to ferry Mrs Shelton to Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

She was bundled into one of the cars and taken to hospital, where she gave birth to bouncing baby Jack.

After their happy event, the couple decided to write a letter to the park rangers to tell them all was well.

"It was great to receive the letter and hear everything had gone well with the birth," said Bob Lawrence, head warden at the safari park.

"The keeper on duty realised there was a problem and he watched the family at all times while they swapped cars.

"There was no danger and we knew that speed was of the essence," he added.

Three weeks on, the couple were invited by park staff to re-visit the attraction and took the chance to thank the park rangers for all their help.