Rare Dwarf Forest Buffalo Calf Born at Woburn Safari Park
By Animals Correspondent
A rare dwarf forest buffalo calf has been born at Woburn Safari Park for the first time in more than a decade.
The female calf arrived early May and was an unexpected addition for the park’s keeper team after first-time mother Cadbury arrived from another wildlife collection late last year already pregnant.
Staff said the birth is particularly significant because dwarf forest buffalo are considered a critically endangered species.
Tom Robson, head of reserves at the park, said the calf’s arrival had come as a surprise.
“We were not expecting a calf with this group,” he said. “Dwarf forest buffalo are a critically endangered species and her birth highlights a lesser-known species to guests.”
Keepers said the newborn was quickly on her feet and has already begun exploring the Savannah Grasslands area of the Road Safari alongside the rest of the herd.
Cadbury has been feeding and bonding closely with her calf, while other members of the group have also shown interest in the new arrival.
The park said other animals in the reserve, including zebras, rhinos and Ankole cattle, have also appeared curious about the calf since her birth.
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Native to the forests of central and western Africa, dwarf forest buffalo are smaller than other buffalo species and are adapted to moving through dense woodland. Their backward-swept horns help prevent branches becoming tangled while also protecting them during sparring.
Visitors can now see the calf alongside Grevy’s zebras, southern white rhinos and eland in the Road Safari section of the park.
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