Aardvark calf born at Chester zoo is ‘doing brilliantly’ after bottle-feeding
An aardvark calf named Womble has been successfully born and is thriving at Chester Zoo. This is only the second aardvark born at the zoo in its 94-year history, with the last calf born in 2022. Womble is currently being cared for by its mother, Oni, and zookeepers are pleased with its progress.
- ▪Womble is the second aardvark to be born at Chester Zoo in 94 years.
- ▪The calf was bottle-fed by keepers for several weeks due to its mother's insufficient milk production.
- ▪Aardvark births are extremely rare in captivity, with only 68 aardvarks in European zoos and 114 worldwide.
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Womble is only the second aardvark to be born at Chester zoo in its 94-year history. Photograph: Joel Goodman/The GuardianView image in fullscreenWomble is only the second aardvark to be born at Chester zoo in its 94-year history. Photograph: Joel Goodman/The GuardianCheshireAardvark calf born at Chester zoo is ‘doing brilliantly’ after bottle-feedingBirths of the mammals extremely rare in captivity, say keepers, with ‘Womble’ only the second calf born at ChesterSundus AbdiWed 20 May 2026 13.39 EDTLast modified on Wed 20 May 2026 13.40 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleInside a heated incubator at Chester zoo, a wrinkled newborn aardvark nicknamed “Womble” spent its first weeks being bottle-fed milk through the night by keepers determined to keep the rare calf healthy.View image in…
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