Dwarf Forest Buffalo calf joins the herd

The dwarf forest buffalo herd has welcomed another calf on the 24th of July, a tiny male calf named Ace!

Ace is the second calf born to the park’s buffalo herd this year, following the arrival of female calf Aero in May. New mum, Crumpet is described by keepers as "a confident and more dominant member of the herd". 

Born in 2022, Crumpet has been a resident at Woburn Safari Park for nearly a year and, despite being a first-time mum, has already shown herself to be attentive, nurturing and protective.

Meet the newest member of the herd…

Ace joins the herd of six dwarf forest buffaloes, which includes five females. Four of the five adult females are sisters, giving Ace a close-knit family group to grow up with. The herd takes its role as aunts very seriously - regularly taking turns to look after the calves.

The young calf is already proving to be a confident and adventurous youngster. He has bundles of energy and loves running around the herd, often seen taking the lead. His confidence has had a positive effect on older calf, Aero who has become more adventurous now he has a playmate.

Dwarf Forest Buffalo calves are born with a lighter, sandy coloured coat, which gradually darkens with age. Females tend to remain brown, while males can become almost black across the head, neck and shoulders and occasionally across the body.

Ace is currently the smallest member of the herd and has the lightest colouring, making him easy to spot!

Keepers will be watching his development closely, with some exciting milestones ahead. His horns begin to develop from around two months old, by around six months, they become much more prominent and from approximately 12 to 13 months, his coat will begin to darken.

How big will Ace get?

• Despite being a member of the African buffalo family, dwarf forest buffalo are considerably smaller than other buffalo subspecies.
• Adults can weigh up to around 500kg, with males generally growing around 15% larger than females. Calves typically weigh around 25–30kg at birth, born after a gestation period of approximately 11 to 12 months.
• Around four months, calves forage more and rely less on their mothers’ milk, they gradually wean naturally as milk production declines.

What is a usual day for the herd?

The herd enjoy a relaxed routine of feeding, foraging, exploring and resting. Their diet consists of browse, hay, grass and pellets. In summer, they may even enjoy a swim in the pond!

Ace spends his days running, playing, suckling from his mother and learning important new life skills from the adults.

Did you know?

Dwarf forest buffalo are a smaller subspecies of African buffalo, adapted to forested habitats. In the wild, they face threats such as habitat loss and poaching, making conservation vital. 

Next time you visit Woburn Safari Park, keep an eye out for Ace in the Savanah Grasslands mixed species habitat in the Road Safari.

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