UK Zoo Saves Newborn Baby Aardvark After Mom Struggles to Produce Milk
The Internet is currently losing its collective mind over an adorable baby aardvark, but not everyone knows its incredible story. Zookeepers at the UK's Chester Zoo saved the little one, who was born on April 3, after his mom, Oni, couldn't produce enough milk. After weeks of around-the-clock bottle feeding and naps in an incubator, the baby animal is thriving.
The Chester Zoo aardvark is only the second calf of this species to be born at the zoo in its nearly century-long history. This UK zoo news is just as emotional as it is adorable, but nothing compares to seeing the aardvark calf, named Womble, for the very first time. Just wait until you spot the baby!
@chesterzooofficial Introducing: Womble Professional napper, milk enthusiast and only the second aardvark EVER born at the zoo in our 94-year history. #animalsoftiktok#babyanimals#fyp#chesterzoo#cute
original sound - Chester Zoo
Womble is as cute as can be, and there's no question this baby has zookeepers wrapped around those gigantic paws. It's impossible not to love them! According to the Chester Zoo website, it's still too early for zookeepers to tell whether the baby aardvark is a male or female, but Sophie may have given video viewers a hint with the word 'she.'
"Great, now I want an aardvark..." commented @staceypetacey. They're such unique and adorable creatures, from their gigantic ears to their pink, wrinkly skin. That wiggling, wet nose is the cherry on top!
Now that Womble is a bit older, that pink skin is beginning to be covered by soft, gray fur. Soon, this aardvark calf will look just like mom, Oni! The baby may not have inherited any looks or genetics from the zookeepers who sacrificed sleep and sanity to become her adoptive parents, but they'll always remember how they saved this special animal's life.
The Chester Zoo Aardvarks
Every baby animal born at the zoo gets top-notch care, but most of the time, Mom does most of the work. This time, though, it was essential that zookeepers step in to raise the aardvark calf after Oni stopped producing enough milk. She's always been the most important one in Womble's life, and now they're back together full-time.
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Only 114 aardvarks live in zoos worldwide, which is why Womble's birth is such a big deal. Fortunately, their wild populations in sub-Saharan Africa are widespread and stable, making zoo aardvarks much rarer. Little Womble may be getting lots of attention, but she has no idea just how special she is!
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This story was originally published May 23, 2026 at 4:40 PM.