The first dwarf forest buffalo male arrived at Marwell in 1978 and was called Muhammad Ali, or Champ for short, after the acclaimed American boxer. All youngsters (from this species) born at Marwell have since been given names from the world of sport.

Two dwarf forest buffalos have been born this year and can be seen in their paddock by the Heart of Africa area of the Park. A female was born on 15th April and keepers have called her Ellen after the Hampshire world record breaking yachtswoman Ellen McArthur. Four days later a male was born and he has been named Lewis after the British Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton.

Found in central and western Africa, they like to live in forest areas close to water and typically eat grass, reeds and leaves. They tend to live in groups of between five – 20.

As the name suggests, the dwarf forest buffalo is smaller than other African buffalo, typically about 3.5ft with backward curving horns that are around 30inches long.

 

30th May 2008

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