Ankole-Watusi Calf is Newest Addition at Cape May Zoo

Darla and Howie, the Ankole-Watusi cow and bull at the Cape May Zoo, welcomed a baby calf to their family earlier this month.

The new calf is Darla's second after a female named Pumpkin was born last year.

The baby boy does not yet have a name, but the zoo is planning a naming contest that will happen soon.

Ankole-Watusi Cattle

The Ankole-Watusi breed is part of the Sanga family of African cattle breeds which originated over 2,000 years ago.

The Ankole-Watusi is considered medium-sized. This young calf will grow from about 30 pounds at birth to as much as 1,600 pounds when fully grown. They usually live to be about 20 years old.

Cape May Zoo points out that Ankole-Watusi is a domestic and temperature-tolerant breed. You can view them year-round in the savanna area of the zoo.

Fun Facts About Ankole-Watusi Cattle

- Ankole have strong herding and protection instincts. Adults bed down in a circle facing out with calves in the center

- In Africa, a few tribes consider Ankole to be sacred animals.

- The exportation of Ankole from Africa was banned in the 1930s. Today, less than 700 pure-bred Ankoles are registered in the U.S., according to Russelllands.com.

Their horns, which help keep them cool, can reach 4-6 feet in length.