New arrival finds feet at Highland Wildlife Park
The Highland Wildlife Park has welcomed a new arrival to their herd of European Bison.
May Day saw the arrival of a calf into one of the UK’s largest European Bison herds and she makes her public bow today.
It must be the luck of the Irish in the Scottish Highlands this year, as this youngster is the first calf to be sired by the bull, Tomek, who came to the attraction from Ireland in July, last year.
These powerful animals are Europe’s largest land mammal, with bulls weighing in between a staggering 600kg and 1,000kg, with a shoulder height of up to almost two metres.
In addition to being successful breeders of this threatened species, the park also manages and co-ordinates the entire European Bison population as holders of the European Endangered Species breeding programme.
The young calf will stay close to first-time mum, Glen Doll, who was herself born at the park in 2005.
In keeping with the tradition that all bison born at the attraction are named after Scottish glens, keepers have named him Glen Garry.
They are already noticing his character and personality since his birth.
A spokeswoman said: "The calf will start venturing further and exploring his new surroundings soon."
