Bison at Cape May, NJ, Zoo Gives Birth to Calf
Congratulations to the newest mother at the Cape May Zoo.
Three-year-old Beverly the bison gave birth to her first calf in the bison habitat on Thursday, August 18th, according to a press release.
"Her calf is strong and healthy, and mom is very protective of her," Dr. Alexander Ernst, a veterinarian at the zoo was quoted as saying.
A baby bison is no small package. Bison calves can weigh up to 70 pounds at birth. Reddish when born, the calf will begin to develop shoulder humps and horns in a couple of months and turn brown.
If you were wondering, the gestation period for a bison is nine months and mothers give birth to a single calf.
The Cape May Zoo points out that bison are commonly confused with buffalo. They have curved, sharp horns that grow up to two feet long. Bison are herbivores and graze on grass, twigs, and shrubs. The average lifespan of a bison is 15 to 20 years.
“Beverley’s calf is the newest addition to our familial herd here at the zoo that includes dad, mom, and four older siblings. This little calf can be seen daily in the North American Prairie habitat,” Ernst said.
The Cape May County Zoo is open daily from 10 AM to 4:30 PM and is free to the public. For more information, visit CMCZoo.com.
South Jersey's Ultimate Ice Cream Guide
15 Excellent South Jersey Takeout Food Places You Must Try
More From WPG Talk Radio 95.5 FM
