This bison was born on Aug. 17. (Photo courtesy of Cape May County)
The Cape May County Zoo has a new addition to the North American bison herd.
A male bison calf was born on Thursday, Aug. 17, to second time mom, “Beverly,” and dad, “Hank.” The new calf is the ninth member of the zoo’s bison herd, according to a Cape May County news release.
“There is always something new and exciting happening at the Cape May County Zoo. I encourage our residents and visitors to come to the zoo often to keep up with the ever-changing animals, habitats, and events,” said County Commissioner Andrew Bulakowski, liaison to the park and zoo. “The new bison calf can be viewed daily in the North American Prairie habitat.”
The American bison is one of the two largest surviving terrestrial animals in North America. They are broad and muscular, with shaggy, long-haired coats.
Bison can grow up to 6 feet, 7 inches tall and 11 feet, 6 inches in length. A full-grown bison can weigh anywhere from 880 to 2,800 pounds, according to the release.
They eat a wide variety of plants, including woody plants and herbaceous eudicots.