Newborn Rana is a babirusa, or a ‘pig-deer’, which is a vulnerable species of piglet found on just four Indonesian islands. 

 

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) had considered the species to be vulnerable to extinction. However, the species is expected to be labelled as ‘critically endangered’ soon.

 

This is due to the threat of African swine fever, a highly contagious disease with a mortality rate of 100 per cent. The disease reached the babirusa’s islands five years ago, sending wild populations into rapid decline.

 

It is feared that the continued spread of African swine fever could push the babirusa into extinction.

 

Rana is the fifth piglet to be born to her mother Matano. Matano herself was born at Chester Zoo 11 years ago and has descendants in zoos across Europe.

 

Babirusa pregnancies are very predictable, with most births at Chester Zoo occurring after 161 days of gestation.

 

The countdown began after Matano was seen with male Bamm Bamm earlier in the year. As her due date approached, the team provided a private space with extra bedding so she could prepare for the birth.

 

Babirusas will usually only have one of two piglets at a time. This is another reason their population is recovering so slowly.

 

Since new mothers are highly sensitive to disturbance, keepers monitored Rana and Matano remotely before they could be seen in public.

 

Hannah Owens, assistant team manager at Chester Zoo, said: “This is the first babirusa birth we've had here for a few years, and Rana is a very special little lady. When she was born, she was tiny - about the size of a grapefruit, with legs. She's grown a lot and is doing really well.

 

“While babirusas are doing well in our care, I'm worried because they are really struggling in the wild. The numbers are radically reducing, and it would be horrendous if they disappeared, because they are amazing, charismatic animals. Piglets like Rana are a lifeline for the species.”

 

Amy Humphreys, a conservationist at Chester Zoo, said: “We risk losing a truly unique species, one that’s an important part of Indonesia’s cultural and natural heritage and one of the oldest pig species still living. Because of all this, Rana’s arrival is worth celebrating. Her birth is a chance to shine a light on babirusas and show people why they deserve protection.”