Woburn, United Kingdom – Woburn Safari Park has welcomed a rare dwarf forest buffalo calf, marking the first birth of this species at the park in more than ten years.

The calf was born on 3 May 2026 and arrived unexpectedly, taking keepers by surprise. The mother, Cadbury, is a first-time parent who had arrived from another collection at the end of 2025, without staff realising she was already pregnant.

According to Tom Robson, Head of Reserves, the arrival was unexpected for the team. He described it as a positive surprise and noted the importance of the birth for a critically endangered species, adding that it helps highlight a lesser-known animal for visitors.

Shortly after birth, the calf quickly stood and began exploring its surroundings, despite still being unsteady on its legs. The herd showed immediate interest, gathering around the newborn with curiosity.

Cadbury is now feeding and bonding with her calf, while other buffalo in the group have also shown protective and nurturing behaviour. Some members of the herd have even attempted to care for the calf themselves.

Keepers are also monitoring interactions within the wider habitat, including attention from zebras and rhinos. Ankole cattle were also seen licking the newborn.

Dwarf forest buffalo are small, sturdy animals adapted to forest environments, with backward-curving horns that help prevent entanglement and protect them during sparring. At the park, they live alongside Grevy’s zebras, southern white rhinos, and eland in the Savannah Grasslands.

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