Chester Zoo has announced the arrival of a rare female lowland anoa calf, named Mentari, who has just taken her first tentative steps into the outside world after spending her initial weeks bonding with her mother in a private den. The birth, which occurred at the end of June, marks a significant milestone for one of the world's smallest species of buffalo, a creature that stands at barely a metre tall even when fully grown.
Mentari, whose name means 'the sun' in the Malay language, was born to mother Darcy after a 10-month pregnancy. At birth, she weighed just 7kg and stood approximately 50cm tall. Despite her tiny stature, she has already shown remarkable strength and confidence, according to keepers.
A precious first outing
At just two weeks old, the young anoa was filmed making her very first forays outside her cosy den, with the special moment captured on camera for conservationists and the public alike. The footage shows the calf cautiously exploring her new surroundings, staying close to her mother as she gains confidence.
Emma Evison, from Chester Zoo, expressed her delight at the calf's progress. “Mum Darcy and her new baby are doing brilliantly,” she said. “After spending her first couple of weeks bonding with mum in the safety of their cosy den, the little one has grown in strength and confidence and is now beginning to explore the outside world.
“She’s already showing plenty of personality and seeing her take those first steps outside is a real privilege – it’s something very few people will ever get the chance to witness.”
A species on the brink
The lowland anoa is native to the forests and swamps of Sulawesi, a single island in Indonesia. In recent decades, numbers in the wild have plummeted due to severe habitat loss caused by mining and farming, which has destroyed vast areas of the species' natural range.
Experts estimate that fewer than 2,500 anoas remain in the wild, and the species is listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Every birth in a conservation breeding programme is therefore considered vital for the long-term survival of the species.
An international conservation lifeline
Chester Zoo is part of a global partnership dedicated to securing a future for the rare anoa. Amy Humphreys, South East Asia field conservationist at the zoo, outlined the collaborative efforts under way to protect the species in its native habitat.
“Our plans include scientific monitoring of anoas, new local education programmes in Indonesia, raising global awareness of the threats anoas face, and coordinating conservation breeding programmes,” Humphreys said. “This new calf, born as part of that international effort, will now go on to play an important role in protecting the future of her species.”
The arrival of Mentari not only represents a personal triumph for the zoo's animal care team but also underscores the urgent need to address the environmental pressures driving species like the anoa towards extinction. With dedicated conservation initiatives and public education, there remains hope that this ancient buffalo can be saved from disappearing forever.
Mentari will stay with her mother at Chester Zoo as she continues to grow, delighting visitors and serving as an ambassador for her wild counterparts. The zoo, located in Chester, Cheshire, is expected to share more updates on her progress in the coming months.
