Rare aardvark born at UK’s Chester Zoo
Updated: 20/05/2026 - 19:15 GMT+2 Baby aardvark Womble is being hand-fed by keepers at Chester Zoo after a rare birth, only the second in the zoo’s 94-year...
Updated: 20/05/2026 - 19:15 GMT+2
Baby aardvark Womble is being hand-fed by keepers at Chester Zoo after a rare birth, only the second in the zoo’s 94-year history in the UK.
A baby aardvark named Womble is settling into life at Chester Zoo in northwest England, with keepers helping it through regular feeds.
The calf was born on 3 April to mother Oni and is only the second aardvark ever born at the zoo in its 94-year history. Its sex is still unknown.
Keepers say Womble, is adjusting well but needs extra care as Oni was not producing enough milk. Staff now provide supplementary feeds through the night while the mother forages.
The zoo says there are only 68 aardvarks in European zoos, making each birth significant for conservation work.
