The recent birth of Dobby the baby anteater at Chester Zoo marks a historic moment, as she is the first of her kind to be born at the zoo in its 90-year history. Named after the beloved Harry Potter character, Dobby captivates with her long ears, hairless skin, and large claws, reminiscent of her legendary namesake.

Zoo staff were thrilled with Dobby’s arrival, considering it a momentous milestone and cause for celebration. As anteater parents can be clumsy with newborns, Dobby is brought home at night for extra care and feeding sessions to ensure her safety and well-being.

Dobby spends her days bonding with her parents, Oni and Koos, in a happy little anteater family. Chester Zoo is among the few zoos globally caring for these unique animals, with only 109 anteaters in captivity worldwide.

While their natural habitat spans Africa, anteaters face threats from habitat loss due to human encroachment and hunting. Despite being listed as “least concern” by the IUCN, their population is declining in some regions due to these factors.

Dobby’s birth brings hope for the conservation of anteaters, and once she matures, she will join a global conservation breeding program to contribute to the species’ survival.