What happened: Chester Zoo has successfully bottle-fed a newborn aardvark calf named 'Womble', only the second born at the zoo in 94 years. The calf spent its first weeks in a heated incubator and is reported to be doing well.
Why it matters:
- Aardvark births in captivity are extremely rare, highlighting conservation challenges for the species.
- The successful care of 'Womble' demonstrates the zoo's commitment to animal welfare and species preservation.
MNN Take: The birth and care of this aardvark calf show the importance of specialised support in captive breeding programs for rare animals.
Sources: Guardian UK