Motorists were left stunned on Monday evening after a giraffe was spotted travelling along the motorway.
The head of the animal was pictured poking above the tailgate of a trailer on its way from Devon to Kent.
Teacher Mark Marsh, 44, took a picture of the giraffe as it was being transferred from Paignton zoo to a new home in Port Lympne Wild Animal Park in Kent.
Mr Marsh said the unusual sight of the giraffe, on the M25 near Redhill in Surrey had 'brightened up' his journey.
Paignton Zoo said it was a Rothschild's giraffe called Valentino, who had been born on Valentine's Day in 2012.
Port Lympne said his arrival signals the start of the reserve's breeding programme with these endangered animals.
Animal director Adrian Harland said: 'We are delighted to welcome this lovely male giraffe to the reserve and to be accepted as part of this breeding programme.
'There are so few Rothschild giraffes in the wild that programmes like this one are essential.'
Paul Beer, head of the giraffe section, said: 'The arrival of Valentino is fantastic news. He's a good looking, healthy male and I'm hoping that the girls take a shine to him."
